Wisteria frutescens (L.) Poir.

American Wisteria; Swamp Wisteria

Vine

Perennial

Vascular

American Wisteria is a native perennial woody vine in the Bean family (Fabaceae). It occurs throughout Alabama. American Wisteria grows on river and stream banks, along creeks, and in low, wet woodlands. It is a perennial woody vine that climbs by twining. Stems may reach a length of 25-30 feet, but are usually in the 10-15 foot range. Stems rarely reach a diameter larger than your finger. Young stems are green and pubescent with short, appressed hairs. Older stems are dark gray or brown. Stems twine clockwise. Leaves are deciduous, alternate, and odd pinnately compound. There are 9-15 ovate to lanceolate leaflets. Leaflets have entire margins and are pubescent on the lower surface. The flowers are produced after the leaves. Heaviest blooming is in the spring, but plants may re-bloom sporadically throughout the summer. Flowers are produced in densely flowered terminal racemes. Pedicels, calyces, and rachises have at least a few stalked glands. Individual flowers are stalked and papilionaceous. Flower color ranges from blue through white. The banner or standard petal is marked with white and yellow. Flowers are only slightly fragrant. The fruit is a flattened, glabrous legume with 3-4 flat round seed. American Wisteria is less aggressive than its Asian cousins. It is often available from nurseries. Several varieties are available including “Amethyst Falls”, “Magnifica”, and “Nivea” which has white flowers. American Wisteria is a larval host plant for the Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus). American Wisteria prefers a moist soil rich in organic matter. It requires a trellis or other support for climbing.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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