Wisteria floribunda
Japanese Wisteria

Family:

Fabaceae (Bean Family) 47

Genus:

Wisteria (Wisteria) 4

Plant Type:

Liana (Climbing Vine) 36

Growth Forms:

Climbing 23

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 233

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 792

Flower Notes:

Purple (Violet or blue-violet, slightly fragrant pea-like flowers borne in late April to May on 8-20" racemes just before or as leaves emerge)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Bright green pinnately compound summer foliage); Yellow (Yellow fall foliage; not reliable)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Pod; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

30+ feet

Ultimate Spread:

30+ feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Best site has a good organic slightly acid soil, but also does well in higher pH soils

Range:

Japan

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves 10-15" long, alternate, and pinnately compound with 13-19 entire leaflets and with a petiole that is flattened at the base. Stems spiral clockwise. Look for two spine-like projections at top of leaf scar.

Ecological Functions:

Pollen and/or Nectar Producer 181

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 395

Fragrant Flowers 173

Fast Growth Rate 225

Screen 171

Specimen 598

Trellis/Post/Fence Climber 25

Additional Information

Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as much variation exists in flowering. Some find it difficult to induce flowering. Too much nitrogen may promote more vegetative than flower bud formation. Can damage light-weight supporting structures, as vine can develop several inches in diameter.