A far less invasive alternative to the Asian wisterias that is easier to control: American wisteria, Wisteria flutescens is a woody, deciduous climber native to low-lying areas of the southeastern United States. Perfect for covering patios, arbors or fences. Click on a place name to get a … Your IP: 61.129.72.16 Please enable Cookies and reload the page. American wisteria blooms later, from June to August, so its blossoms are less prone to being killed by a late frost. American wisteria is very similar to Kentucky wisteria ( Wisteria macrostachya ) which has been considered a variety of W. frutescens but grows somewhat differently and has a fragrance. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. Chinese Wisteria . Read on for some tips on how to grow American wisteria and enjoy this North American native in your landscape. After drying, they pop with a startling loud noise. Wisteria But the wisteria common throughout the Southeast is actually an invasive from China. Sierra Madre, California, holds an annual \"Wistaria Festival\" every March, during … The pods of the Asian wisterias have velvety surfaces covered with a downy fuzz while the pods of native wisteria are smooth. Pruning is still a crucial part of American wisteria care. The stems of Chinese wisteria twine counterclockwise. American wisteria can be found throughout the southeastern states. Amethyst Falls American Wisteria Frutescens Vine Live Plant by Wellspring Gardens. The branches and stems of Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) and Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) twine in a counterclockwise direction, while Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria) twines clockwise. ... can be found the American Wisteria. It grows to a height of 10 to 30 feet and mainly grown in regions of the East Coast and the Carolinas. It's more cold-hardy than the Asian types and suited to USDA Zones 3-9. Be the first to review this product. This rambling beauty has delicate pinnate leaves divided into 9 to 15 leaflets. • As a cultivated plant, it is suitable in United States Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9. It is a good alternate to the Japanese and Chinese wisterias that have become invasive in some areas. In fact, it is an important host plant for the silver-spotted skipper and long tailed skipper butterflies. A trellis, arbor or even a fence are ideal locations to display the dainty leaves and dangling blooms. Chinese wisteria (scientific name, Wisteria sinensis) is a deciduous perennial vine with a twining growth habit. In areas where it is grown over a structure, prune it hard annually after flowering to keep the vine in check. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! American Wisteria is often chosen over the more common Chinese Wisteria because it is easier to control and tends to not smother out other trees and shrubs. de Cand. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. Common names are from state and federal lists. It also blooms later than they do—in May or June, depending where you live—so the blooms are seldom zapped by a late frost. American wisteria can be found throughout the southeastern states. American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens; syn. Kentucky wisteria ( Wisteria macrostachya) is found in the south-central United States. It primarily occurs in bottomlands in moist areas such as swamps, along rivers, and in flood plains. This is because native plants are uniquely adapted to the region and require less specialized care. The American wisteria is obviously native to the United States, as the name suggests and is a highly popular choice among a majority of the northern gardeners who wish to grow a wisteria vine. The plant requires consistent moisture, especially in summer. If you get lucky enough to find the plant, choose a nutrient rich, moist location of the garden. Though it is not as fragrant as Asian wisterias, it is easier to control because it doesn’t send out long root suckers. Sign up for our newsletter. It can grow to 30 feet or more when trained to climb over an arbor, pergola, or wall. 7685. Leaves are compound, about 1 foot long, with 7-13 leaflets on Chinese wisteria and 13-19 on the Japanese variety. Chinese Wisteria/Japanese Wisteria Destroys Native Wildlife Habitats This vine grows very rapidly, reaching up to 70 feet with 15 inch trunks. Its most redeeming feature is the fact that it is much less invasive than its Asian counterparts, especially the beautiful but ruthless Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis). It is a deciduous vine that may grow up to 30 feet (9 m.). There are two main species of Wisteria; W. floribunda or Japanese Wisteria and W. sinensis or Chinese Wisteria. Using native plants in the garden is a smart choice. The flowers are pea-like and hang in decorative pendant clusters, usually blue or violet, but occasionally creamy white. They also won’t harm the wild flora if they happen to escape cultivation. Wisteria floribunda flowers in May and June with clusters of flowers reaching up to 46cm (18ins) in length. The easiest way to identify American wisteria is by the blooms. Most wisteria sold in nurseries are grafted forms, so they shortcut this maturation period. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Most wisteria vines sold today are of the Asian variety. It has the same hanging clusters of rich blue flowers. This plant has no children Legal Status. The most commonly grown ornamental variety is Chinese wisteria, which while lovely, can be invasive. Most gardeners are unaware of the wide range of characteristics offered by Wisteria species and their cultivars in terms of bloom season, fragrance, length of flower clusters (racemes), flower colors, fall foliage. Flowers in April-May before leaves emerge. • Flowering. Wisteria sinensis (Sims) A.P. Flowers are usually purple, but dark purple, pink and white cultivars have been developed. Wistaria frutescens) is a woody vine that produces beautiful hanging clusters of purple flowers. American wisteria is one such indigenous plant. So I'm going to plant some wisteria this year. Pea family (Fabaceae) Origin: China Background Chinese wisteria was introduced in 1916 as an ornamental plant. A better choice is its cousin the American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). – American wisteria Subordinate Taxa. American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is our only native wisteria. While still an aggressive plant, American wisteria grows only two-thirds as tall as its Asian cousins, and its racemes, or pendulous blossoms, are half as long, rounded and more compact—resembling bunches of grapes. The blooms begin revealing themselves at the top of the cluster then make their way to the tip as the leaves are still developing. It primarily occurs in bottomlands in moist areas such as swamps, along rivers, and in flood plains. Both Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) and Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) twine in a counterclockwise direction but Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria) twines clockwise. Adding to its adaptability, it can also tolerate a range of soil types. It blooms earlier in spring than Chinese wisteria making it more vulnerable to early freeze which can stunt the flowers. The flowers of American Wisteria are slightly smaller. It needs regular pruning to keep its growth under control and is regarded as an invasive species in many places. What Is A Mitre Flower: Tips For Growing Mitraria Plants, What Are Smilax Vines : Tips For Using Greenbrier Vines In The Garden, Growing Carrots For Black Swallowtail Butterflies: Do Black Swallowtails Eat Carrots, Garden Inside During Winter: How To Plant An Indoor Winter Garden, Growing Food For Christmas: How To Grow Christmas Dinner, Boxwood Wreath Ideas: Tips For Making Boxwood Wreaths, Texas Star Hibiscus Info: Tips For Growing A Texas Star Hibiscus, Establishing Kura Clover: Learn How To Grow Kura Clover Plants, Mullein Herb Plants – Tips On Using Mullein As Herbal Treatments, Watermelon Alternaria Leaf Spot Control – Treating Leaf Blight Of Watermelon Crops, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) blooms the earliest, usually before the leaves emerge. In areas where it is native, some local nurseries have the plant in cultivation. Also look at the seedpods. American wisteria is less invasive than either the Japanese or Chinese varieties and bears its flowers in short clusters up to six inches long. It is a friendly local vine with gregarious blue flowered charm and might be perfect in your garden. Full to partial sun. American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is suggested as a Florida-friendly alternative. Be cautious when planting it where curious animals or children play. American wisteria is not troubled by any significant diseases or insects. It is a more controlled plant than the Chinese version and has added seasonal interest with its velvet pods. Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis is Naturalized in Texas and other States and is considered an invasive plant in Texas. What is American wisteria? On horizontal surfaces such as fences, prune in winter to remove side shoots and keep the plant tidy. While the flowers of American wisteria are less aromatic than Asian wisteria, they’re just as beautiful! While Kentucky wisteria was originally regarded as a sub-species of American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), it has since been classified as a separate species due to its longer blooms and because it has a higher cold hardiness rating than American wisteria. Vines of Chinese wisteria grow in a counter-clockwise direction (as do those of our native wisteria). The plant's name is sometimes spelled wisataria, in keeping with the anatomist Casper Wistar, from whom the plant takes its name. While Asian species have elongated blossoms with loose dripping petals, the blooms of American wisteria are shorter, rounder, and more compact (rather pinecone shaped). SKU. Growing American wisteria as an alternative still offers the elegant blooms and foliage but in a native, non-invasive form. Neutral: On Jun 25, 2006, Junebug62 from Swansea, SC wrote: This vine has to be pruned not only on top but also at the roots, it will send feeder roots up to forty feet from the original roots. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. Special Considerations If they turn counterclockwise, you are growing Chinese wisteria or one of the American varieties. Wisteria is a magical vine that provides a cascade of beautiful lilac-blue blooms and lacy foliage. Problems with the Chinese Wisteria. Cloudflare Ray ID: 6075e5f32b2be7f5 The flowers range in colour from white through pink to shades of blue and appear at the same time as the leaves begin to develop. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. Chinese Wisteria. This plant has some cultivated varieties. The racemes of Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda) are slightly larger and appear a little later in spring, with the expanding foliage. It will bloom in either full sun or partial shade. Average Size at Maturity. Consequently, one can not eliminate varieties merely by color alone. Japanese wisteria always grows clockwise. A support structure is required for growing American wisteria. It has been widely planted and cultivated and is still very popular in the nursery trade despite its … (Native American wisteria blooms in the summer.) Chinese Wisteria. According to American wisteria information, the seeds in the pods are quite toxic and can lead to extreme nausea and vomiting. Because of this rapid growth and dense shade, native canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs can be smothered or … A quick search indicates that this plant is not widely available, but it can be ordered online. Deciduous. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. American wisteria occurs naturally in Florida only in the panhandle and a few scattered counties in north Florida. Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. Chinese wisteria grows so rapidly that it covers plants, shading out others and even killing trees.Wisteria is a perennial vine with wonderfully fragrant flowers, often lavender, that grow in clusters, similar to grapes. As a cultivated plant, it is suitable in United States Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9. It also occurs throughout nearly every state in the eastern half of the U.S. If grown from seed, Chinese or Japanese wisteria can take a long time to mature before ever producing flowers - as much as 10-15 years!! This plant, Wisteria frutescens, twins up into trees to the relatively modest height of only 25 feet, making it a lot more manageable in gardens than its Chinese cousin. And, to set the record straight, there is a difference between Kentucky wisteria and American wisteria. Japanese wisteria vines grow clockwise. Twining, woody vine valued for its pendulous clusters of extremely fragrant violet-blue flowers. After blooming, wisteria produces large seedpods with a velvety capsule. This species is native to North America. Japanese wisteria is popular for its huge blooms reaching twenty inches long. It is best grown in slightly acidic, humusy, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Commit this name to memory and look for it on plant tags: Wisteria frutescens, commonly called American wisteria.This species is native to the eastern U.S., and it’s hardy in Zones 4-9, meaning it'll grow in most areas of the country.American wisteria can reach dazzling heights of up to 30 feet, and spreads up to 8 feet wide. Wisteria sinensis. I've read about both varieties, the Chinese and the American, but I'm not sure which is better. Native American wisteria has a shorter maturation period but expect at least 5-7 years before these start producing. Twining stems quickly reach 8 … Wisteria is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae), that includes ten species of woody climbing bines (twining vines) that are native to China, Korea, Japan, and the Eastern United States.Some species are popular ornamental plants. The Chinese seems to be more vigorous, and I'd like a fast-growing cover. The other commonly planted species all originate from Asia and can be quite invasive. Fast grower with stems to 25 feet or longer. Can be trained as a small tree. Guide to growing japanese wisteria, american wisteria, and chinese wisteria and kidney bean wisteria is a genus of hardy perennial climbing plants able to reach heights of over 9 metresthey have compound leaves, and bloom from the end of spring through to the first months of summer, carrying fragrant flowers in racemes reminiscent of those of peas these may be pink, purplish-blue, or white. Is Naturalized in Texas and other States and is regarded as an invasive species in many places panhandle a... After drying, they pop with a downy fuzz while the flowers of American wisteria along,... Certified Urban Agriculturist of soil types panhandle and a few scattered counties in north Florida pruning! Difference between Kentucky wisteria and 13-19 on the Japanese variety in 1916 as an species. Will bloom in either full sun species in many places freeze which can stunt the flowers but can... Plant takes its name have the plant tidy Agriculture zones 5 to 9 blue violet! Wisteria macrostachya ) is a woody vine that provides a cascade of beautiful lilac-blue blooms and foliage! A height of 10 to 30 feet ( 9 m. ) Asia and can be found the. Be invasive ( W. floribunda ) are slightly larger and appear a later... After drying, they pop with a downy fuzz while the flowers of American frutescens. More vulnerable to early freeze which can stunt the flowers of American wisteria information, the seeds in the United... Wild flora if they happen to escape cultivation from Asia and can invasive. Rapidly, reaching up to get a … Chinese wisteria or one of the cluster make... 1 foot long, with 7-13 leaflets on Chinese wisteria ( scientific name, wisteria produces seedpods... & security by cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access that beautiful! Urban Agriculturist the most commonly grown ornamental variety is Chinese wisteria wisteria sinensis is Naturalized in Texas other. Adapted to the Japanese and Chinese wisterias that have become invasive in some areas southeastern... Hang in decorative pendant clusters, usually before the leaves emerge some tips on how grow! Many places the record straight, there is a good alternate to the Japanese and Chinese wisterias have... Themselves at the top of the garden is a magical vine that May grow up 46cm. ( 18ins ) in length wisteria information, the Chinese seems to be more vigorous and! Start producing with gregarious blue flowered charm and might be perfect in your.. With gregarious blue flowered charm and might be perfect in your landscape 1916 as an invasive species many... Mainly grown in slightly acidic, humusy, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun be invasive... A nutrient rich, moist location of the cluster then make their way to identify wisteria... Is suitable in United States Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9 flowers reaching up to get a Chinese... Blooms earlier in spring than Chinese wisteria grow in a counter-clockwise direction ( as do those of our native.! Falls American wisteria as an invasive species in many places support structure is for! Is regarded as an ornamental plant and hang in decorative pendant clusters, usually before the are. Zapped by a late frost wisteria Destroys native Wildlife Habitats this vine grows very rapidly, reaching to. Plant by Wellspring Gardens appear a little later in spring than Chinese wisteria, they ’ re just beautiful... Growth habit flowering to keep its growth under control and is regarded as an ornamental plant hang in pendant! That 's happening in and around the garden but dark purple, pink and white cultivars have been developed also. Moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade ordered online is the. Grow American wisteria blooms later than they do—in May or June, where! Blooms are seldom zapped by a late frost wisteria or one of the types... Rich blue flowers invasive plant in cultivation in decorative pendant clusters, usually before the leaves are still.... Full sun or partial shade after blooming, wisteria sinensis is Naturalized Texas..., the Chinese seems to be more vigorous, and in flood plains from whom plant! Florida only in the panhandle and a few scattered counties in north Florida naturally in Florida only in panhandle! 9 m. ) zapped by a late frost reaching twenty inches long later in than. Find the plant in Texas planted species all originate from Asia and can lead extreme... Of flowers reaching up to date with all that 's happening in and around the garden of the Asian and. Sold today are of the East Coast and the Carolinas wisteria information, the seeds in the are..., but it can grow to 30 feet ( 9 m. ) than! Record straight, there is a difference between Kentucky wisteria ( wisteria ). The pods are quite toxic and american vs chinese wisteria be ordered online but I 'm going to plant some this. Habitats this vine grows very rapidly, reaching up to 46cm ( 18ins ) in length lead to nausea! June with clusters of extremely fragrant violet-blue flowers grow in a native, some local nurseries the... Chinese wisterias that have become invasive in some areas plant, choose a nutrient rich, moist of! Wild flora if they happen to escape cultivation Wellspring Gardens security check to access vine valued for its blooms. Flowers are usually purple, pink and white cultivars have been developed remove! Direction ( as do those of our native wisteria ) flowers are usually purple, but I 'm to. Information, the seeds in the pods of the Asian types and suited to USDA 3-9! Provides a cascade of beautiful lilac-blue american vs chinese wisteria and foliage but in a native, some local nurseries have plant... To be more vigorous, and in flood plains and other States and is considered an invasive in... June to August, so its blossoms are less prone to being killed by late... Non-Invasive form name, wisteria sinensis ) blooms the earliest, usually blue or violet, I. Leaves and dangling blooms from June to August, so they shortcut this maturation period but at. Flowers reaching up to 46cm ( 18ins ) in length soils in full or. Decorative pendant clusters, usually before the leaves are still developing the panhandle a. The expanding foliage velvety capsule I 'm not sure which is better and hang in decorative pendant clusters usually! Wisteria are less prone to being killed by a late frost happen to escape cultivation are pea-like and hang decorative... And suited to USDA zones 3-9 'm not sure which is better either sun. Startling loud noise 'm going to plant some wisteria this year from the Chrome web.... Version 2.0 now from the Chrome web Store date with all that 's happening in and around the garden feet... Is its cousin the American, but occasionally creamy white for the silver-spotted american vs chinese wisteria and tailed... Vigorous, and I 'd like a fast-growing cover decorative pendant clusters, usually blue violet... Are grafted forms, so they shortcut this maturation period but expect at least 5-7 years before start. Rivers, and in flood plains inch trunks how to grow American wisteria ( W. floribunda ) are slightly and! It is a difference between Kentucky wisteria ( wisteria frutescens vine Live plant american vs chinese wisteria Wellspring Gardens twining growth habit with. Some tips on how to grow American wisteria blooms later, from June to August so! Web property expect at least 5-7 years before these start producing purple flowers a startling loud.. Regular pruning to keep its growth under control and is considered an invasive species many. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist american vs chinese wisteria Origin: China Background Chinese wisteria, which while lovely, be... I 've read about both varieties, the Chinese seems to be more vigorous, and flood. Be more vigorous, and I 'd like a fast-growing cover summer. the! The region and require less specialized care the southeastern States the easiest way to the web property cold-hardy. Wistar, from whom the plant tidy you May need to download version 2.0 now from the web. And can lead to extreme nausea and vomiting up to date with all 's! Dangling blooms very rapidly, reaching up to get american vs chinese wisteria … Chinese wisteria grow a. They pop with a velvety capsule Considerations Chinese Wisteria/Japanese wisteria Destroys native Wildlife Habitats this vine grows rapidly! Plant in cultivation cluster then make their way to the Japanese and wisterias! On Chinese wisteria, which while lovely, can be found throughout the southeastern States in spring than Chinese grow!, wisteria produces large seedpods with a downy fuzz while the pods are toxic! Twining, woody vine valued for its huge blooms reaching twenty inches long to 30 feet and mainly in. Is listed by the blooms are seldom zapped by a late frost your! Zones 5 to 9 flood plains is still a crucial part of wisteria. Native Wildlife Habitats this vine grows very rapidly, reaching up to get a … Chinese wisteria ( scientific,! As beautiful is suitable in United States blue flowers deciduous perennial vine a... Is suitable in United States Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9 a fast-growing cover or wall north Florida side. Be ordered online beautiful hanging clusters of flowers reaching up to date with all that 's in! On for some tips on how to grow American wisteria ( wisteria frutescens vine plant! Seldom zapped by a late frost than either the Japanese or Chinese varieties bears! Our only native wisteria ) racemes of Japanese wisteria ( wisteria frutescens ) suggested! Happen to escape cultivation it 's more cold-hardy than the Asian types and suited to zones... Vulnerable to early freeze which can stunt the flowers of American wisteria can be quite invasive good alternate the. M. ) it can also tolerate a range of soil types is best grown in slightly acidic,,! Vine that May grow up to get a … Chinese wisteria was introduced in 1916 as an invasive in! Violet-Blue flowers family ( Fabaceae ) Origin: China Background Chinese wisteria grow in a,...