American Wisteria

Wisteria frutescens (wis-TEER-ee-ah froo-TESS-enz)

Family: Fabaceae Native Vine (vertical)

Wisteria frutescens , commonly called American wisteria, is a counterclockwise twining deciduous woody vine that grows to 40 feet or more. Native from Virginia to Illinois, south to Florida and Texas, it is typically found in moist thickets, swampy woods, pond peripheries, stream borders, and along river banks. While it is commonly found on the coastal plains of North Carolina, it is rarely found in the Piedmont. American wisteria is not as aggressive a spreader as Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria). Both Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) and Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) twine in a counterclockwise direction, while Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria) twines clockwise (see diagram on Wisteria page). It is also less damaging to buildings than Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria). It is best grown on a sturdy surface to support its weight in slightly acidic, humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Full sun is needed for the best flowering, and it cannot grow in full shade. Shelter from cold winds and early morning sun on frosty mornings. The vines may produce flowers by the second or third year after planting, but it may take longer. Vines need regular pruning to control the size and shape of the plant and to encourage flowering. Consult a pruning guide for specifics on the initial training of vines and the types of pruning that can or should be done for these plants. Any drastic pruning is best carried out in the spring, immediately after flowering. An application of fertilizer in early spring can also help stimulate flowering. Choose growing sites wisely because plants dislike being transplanted. The plant is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Propagation from seed is very slow (measured in years), while shoots and cuttings are much faster. Serves as a larval host to the Marine Blue, Zarucco Duskywing, and skipper butterflies as well as a nectar source for adult butterflies. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to honey fungus and a number of foliage-chewing insects and other fungal diseases. There are a number of reasons that vines may fail to flower, including frost damage to flower buds in winter, too much shade, plants too young (especially seed-grown ones), improper pruning, or overfertilization. VIDEO created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers", a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Wisteria .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 79 attributes.