how to tell what type of wisteria you have

How do I tell the different species of wisteria apart? Look at the direction the vines twist around their support structure. If they turn counterclockwise, you are growing Chinese wisteria or one of the American varieties. Japanese wisteria always grows clockwise. Also look at the seedpods.

How can you tell the difference between a Chinese and Japanese wisteria?

Vines of Chinese wisteria grow in a counter-clockwise direction (as do those of our native wisteria). Japanese wisteria vines grow clockwise. Leaves are compound, about 1 foot long, with 7-13 leaflets on Chinese wisteria and 13-19 on the Japanese variety. Leaves are alternate along the stem.

What is the difference between Wisteria floribunda and sinensis?

Wisteria floribunda, which has the longest racemes of all the species, provides a dramatic display on garden structures such as pergolas where the racemes can hang free, unimpeded by branches or foliage. ... Wisteria sinensis is the species most suitable for walls where its shortish racemes are displayed to advantage.

How do you identify wisteria leaves?

Stems and Foliage

At the tip of each shoot is a feather shaped leaf running perpendicular to the other leaves on the stem. They are dark green in color. Wisteria vines grow upward from a central stem, and have been trained into tree (standard) form, but do best as a climber. Some varieties grow to up to 30 feet long.

What part of wisteria is poisonous?

Wisteria seeds are contained in hanging, velvety seed pods. The seed pods and seeds are considered the most toxic parts of the plant, but all parts contain the harmful chemicals lectin and wisterin, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea if swallowed.

What month does wisteria bloom?

Wisteria rewards well, a beautiful climber flowering between April and June. If Wisteria is growing well and happy in its spot, you may also get a second flush of weaker flowers in late summer around August time.

Is Wisteria poisonous to dogs?

While these climbing growers are useful for sprucing up your landscaping and vertical space, they can also be toxic to dogs and cats, particularly since wisteria contains poisonous seeds and pods.

Are there different types of wisteria?

What Wisteria smells the best?

The most fragrant cultivars are Wisteria brachybotrys 'Murasaki Kapitan', which smells very sweet, and Wisteria brachybotyrs 'Shiro Kapitan'. Two of my favourites are Wisteria floribunda 'Kuchi Beni', a Japanese wisteria noted for its beautiful scent in spring.

Is Wisteria an invasive plant?

Found extensively throughout the eastern U.S., Chinese wisteria has been reported to be invasive in at least 19 states from Massachusetts to Illinois south to Texas. Wisteria prefers full sun, but established vines will persist and reproduce in partial shade. Vines climb trees, shrubs and manmade structures.

Where is the best place to plant a wisteria?

Plant wisterias in full sun or partial shade, but make sure the vines receive at least six hours of direct sun daily to encourage good flower development. Also choose a sheltered planting location if you live in a colder climate, since the flower buds can be damaged by a hard spring frost.

Is there a white wisteria?

Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' is a beautiful white flowered Japanese Wisteria with very long clusters, up to 24 in. long (60 cm), of pea-like, fragrant white flowers. They appear in late spring or early summer when the leaves open. They bloom in succession from the base and produce a dramatic floral display.

Where should you not plant wisteria?

Wisteria is also known for growing onto (and into) nearby structures, such as houses, garages, sheds, and so on. We strongly recommend not planting wisteria too close to your home! Wisteria vines require a very sturdy structure to climb on, such as a metal or wooden trellis or pergola.

Can I eat wisteria?

Wisteria flowers are edible and you can use them to make some seriously tasty fermented beverages! We've previously mentioned wisteria flowers in our article Three of Our Favorite Wild Edible Flowers of Spring.

Is Wisteria easy to grow?

Wisterias are hardy, vigorous climbers reaching over 10m (33ft) height and width. You will need to provide support in the form of wires or trellis against a wall, or garden structures like pergola or arch. Wisteria can also be trained up a tree or grown up a support to form a standard.

How many times a year does wisteria bloom?

Wisteria flowers bloom once per year. The blooms appear in mid- to late spring, in May or June in most places. The plant can take up to two months for all of its blooms to show through in their entirety.

Can I plant wisteria next to my house?

All wisteria looks beautiful growing over a pergola with seating below or growing over the front or rear of your home. If you choose to grow your wisteria over your home you will need to install wire support. These need to be strong and secure as the plant will become heavy in years to come.

Why are there no flowers on my wisteria?

No hysteria with wisteria

Some flower uproariously, despite their owners breaking every rule in the book; others, though grown to perfection, refuse to produce so much as a petal. Common causes for poor performance include incorrect pruning, shady planting positions or weak variety.

What happens if a dog eats wisteria?

When your dog chews wisteria seeds or pods, ingested lectins move from the stomach into the bloodstream, where they clot red blood cells. Nibbling any part of a wisteria vine also exposes your dog to the toxic glycoside wistarin. Swallowing it gives him a severe stomach ache with possible nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Why does my wisteria have pods?

About Wisteria Seed Pods

Asian wisteria varieties are the most aggressive and can be invasive. A healthy wisteria plant will produce seed pods in late summer and fall. The pods hang from the vine, just like peas. To keep a mature wisteria plant blooming, it's best to cut the seed pods off.

Can you grow wisteria in a container?

Wisterias can be grown in containers but they will never be as successful as those planted in the garden. Ideally, only plant wisteria in a pot if you're training the plant as a standard tree. Choose the largest container you can find and use a good tree and shrub compost.