Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria)

A lovely, aromatic Wisteria, Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria) is a strong-growing climber with twining stems of great beauty. It produces masses of large drooping clusters, 6 in. long (15 cm), packed with fragrant, pea-like, lilac-purple flowers tipped. Blooming from the base of each cluster to the tip, they appear in late spring or early summer after the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by attractive, bean-like pods, 5 in. long (12 cm), which ripen in summer and may persist into winter. Equally attractive is the dense foliage of shiny, dark green, pinnate leaves which consist of 9-15 lance-shaped leaflets. American Wisteria is less aggressive and less damaging to buildings than Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) or Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria).

• Grows vigorously up to 15-30 ft. tall (4-9 m) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm). It climbs by twining counterclockwise (from right to left around the axis).
• Thrives in full sun, in moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding.
• Can be grown against a house wall, arbors, pergolas, trellises, fences. It must be sited and trained on sturdy structures which will be able to support the heavy weight of the mature Wisteria. Grow this plant around patios where the flowers can be enjoyed.
• Susceptible to foliage-chewing insects and fungal diseases, but none are significant. Deer resistant
• Needs regular pruning in order to control size and shape of the plant and to promote flowering.
• Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings.
• Plants dislike being transplanted.
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to the Eastern United States.