Wisteria frutescens (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Atlantic wisteria
American wisteria
Plant Form
Vines
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
30.0
Width (ft)
4.0 - 8.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Commercially Available


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Photographer: basalt44
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Habitat

Native to wet forests and stream banks of the southeastern U.S., this climbing vine has richly colored, sweetly fragrant flowers, although not as dramatic or as rampant as its Asian cousins. The Virginia Native Plant Society selected American Wisteria as  Wildflower of the Year for 2021.

Wisteria frutescens var. frutescens (American Wisteria) is rare in the southern and central Coastal Plain and southeast Piedmont and rare as an escape throughout. The introduced Midwest native Wisteria frutescens var. macrostachya (Mississippi Wisteria) is infrequent throughout the state although it is reported in Arlington and Fairfax counties.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Zarucco Duskywing and Long-Tailed Skipper butterflies. Butterflies nectar at the blooms

Poisonous to Humans:
Poison Severity:
Medium
Poison Symptoms:

Nausea, frequent vomiting, abdominal pain depression, and diarrhea can result from eating 1 or 2 seed pods

Causes Contact Dermatitis:
No
Poison Part:
Seeds
Also a Problem For:
Dogs and Horses
Flower Color
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
April
May
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds