Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Poir.
Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Tabl. Encycl. 3: 674 (1823)
Year: 1823
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Wisteria
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The American wisteria, known scientifically as Wisteria frutescens, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. This stunning perennial vine is a native species to the central and eastern United States, flourishing in the rich soils and temperate climate of its native regions.
Characterized by its lush, pendulous clusters of lavender to bluish-purple flowers, the American wisteria blooms typically in late spring to early summer. These fragrant blossoms are not just visually striking but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a crucial role in local ecosystems.
Unlike its more aggressive Asian counterparts, the American wisteria is a more restrained grower, making it a more manageable choice for gardeners seeking the dramatic beauty of wisteria without the risk of it overpowering other plants. Its vines can grow up to 25-30 feet, twining and winding around arbors, trellises, and fences, adding a vertical element to garden spaces.
The botanical history of Wisteria frutescens includes its formal description by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1823, noting its prominence in horticulture and natural landscapes across the United States. The authoring credit goes to (L.) Poir., cementing its place in the rich tapestry of botanical nomenclature and literature.
As a member of the Fabaceae family, the American wisteria shares common traits with other legumes, including the ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. This symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria allows the plant to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, benefiting the surrounding flora.
American wisteria thrives best in well-drained soils, with a preference for full sun to partial shade. It is relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal pruning. However, regular pruning can encourage denser growth and more abundant flowering. Due to its robust nature and adaptability, it is an excellent choice for sustainable gardening practices.
In landscaping, Wisteria frutescens is favored for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to create natural shade structures, gracefully draped over pergolas and gazebos. Its resilience and compatibility with North American climates make it a valuable addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects.
Overall, the American wisteria is celebrated for its elegant beauty, ecological benefits, and historical significance. It represents a perfect harmony between ornamental charm and environmental stewardship, making it a treasured species in gardening and botanical communities alike.
Common Names
Eng: american wisteria
Swe: amerikanskt blåregn
En: American wisteria
Ar: وستارية شجيرية
Zh: 美洲紫藤
Sv: Amerikanskt blåregn
Synonyms
- Glycine frutescens (L.)
- Bradlea frutescens ((L.) Britton)
- Kraunhia frutescens ((L.) Greene)
- Phaseoloides frutescens ((L.) Kuntze)
- Wisteria speciosa (Nutt.)
- Thyrsanthus frutescens ((L.) Elliott)
- Phaseolus frutescens ((L.) Eaton & Wright)
- Glycine caerulea (Salisb.)
- Apios frutescens ((L.) Pursh)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by Linda Salsman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2020 by Sasha Brockmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2019 by Landress Dan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2021 by pad har (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Tara Monaghen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Tara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Ben Hylen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by eva midouin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Bryce FERNANDEZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 28, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Janice Walje (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2020 by Lillia920 (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977310)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1175869-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Wisteria frutescens (L.) Poir.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Vine
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.0
