Wisteria floribunda can displace native vegetation and kill trees and shrubs by girdling them. Central Maryland Wisteria floribunda species is native to temperate Asia, Japan. Racemes are 4 to 20 inches (10-50 cm) long and 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) wide. Japanese wisteria can girdle and kill trees and choke out the light in a forest setting. Other names for … Favored for their rapid growth, dense foliage, and fragrant blooms, they have been used extensively as decorative additions to porches, walls, and gazebos. Vines of Chinese wisteria grow in a counter-clockwise direction (as do those of our native wisteria). It is a woody deciduous vine that twines in a clockwise direction and requires sturdy support and regular pruning. 2007. Growth habit: Fast growing, deciduous woody vines with showy, fragrant lavender-purple flowers in dangling clusters 6-20 inches long. Vines … Click on each photo to see large images and detailed information. Flowering. contributors include: Committee Members: Leslie Cameron, Tyler Ormsby, Marilyn Thomson, & Rachel Vecchio Back to Invasive Plant Photos and Information, Chinese and Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, and floribunda x sinensis hybrids), Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org. Conditions that favor growth: Exotic wisterias prefer full sun but also tolerate shade. If you love the spectacular beauty of wisteria, the native American species, Wisteria frutescens, is a great alternative. We embody the University's land-grant mission with a commitment to eliminate hunger, preserve our natural resources, improve quality of life, and empower the next generation through world-class education. Non-Invasive Wisteria 101. Japanese Wisteria A Boon for Bees & More. It is less invasive than its … Japanese wisteria vines grow clockwise. Chinese wisteria leaves are 6-10 in. DESCRIPTION: Chinese and Japanese wisteria are woody vines in the pea family, or Fabaceae. Chinese and Japanese wisterias (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda) are spectacular spring-blooming vines, with elegantly twisting trunks and an absolutely breathtaking show of pendulous lavender or pink flowers in the spring. In spite of its beauty and fragrance, wisteria is a fast growing vine that can quickly take over plants (including trees) as well as any buildings (like your home) if given the chance. 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. Trailing, blue flowers form in long racemes in May and June. Graphics: Marilyn Thomson There are native, W. frutescens, and non-native types of wisteria, including Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda) and Chinese wisteria (W. sinensis). Although both are invasive and difficult to control or eradicate, Chinese is worse. Flowers: Wisteria flowers are dangling and showy, blue-violet, and are borne on racemes. Japanese & Chinese Wisteria Posted on May 4, 2020 by MGNV Webmaster These similar-looking exotic species were introduced from China in 1816 and Japan around 1830 Wisteria is sold in garden centers and nurseries and can be found in numerous home gardens across the country. Genetic analyses have shown that most naturalized plants are hybrids of Chinese and Japanese wisteria. This plant has some cultivated varieties. Chinese wisteria twines around its host plant in … Webmaster: Elena Rodriguez. Japanese wisteria leaves consist of 13 to 19 leaflets, while Chinese wisteria leaves consist of 7 to 13 leaflets . These species of wisteria can grow 20-30 feet in just one summer, and are known — and often prized — for their voluptuous clusters of purple blossoms. Leaves are alternate along the stem. Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org. Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years! Chinese and Japanese wisterias are both very draught resistant and have fantastic blooms with a fragrance resembling grapes, making them tempting additions to you landscape design. In addition to writers & photographers credited through bylines (Mary Free, Judy Funderburk, Elaine Mills, Christa Watters & Susan Wilhelm), Unfortunately, they are now reported as invasive in forested areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including Northern Virginia. When they escape and establish in natural areas, exotic wisterias displace native vegetation. Vines climb trees, shrubs and manmade structures. Dont let those beautiful, sweet-smelling blooms fool you. Both types of wisteria, however, are considered a voraciously invasive species because the vines can quickly kill any live support system they are growing on. 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