How to identify Wisterias (Wisteria)

Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Wisterias (Wisteria)

Wisterias manifests as a vigorous woody vine reaching lengths of 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 meters), necessitating sturdy support. Around mid-spring, it produces an abundance of fragrant, pendulous flowers borne in racemes approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) long. The blooms exhibit hues of pink, purple, or white. Cultivation as a compact tree or shrub form demands regular, meticulous pruning to maintain the desired structure.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Wisterias

Vigorous woody vine reaching 10-25 feet (3-7.5 meters) with sturdy climbing habit.

Small downward-facing flowers in racemes of 12 inches (30 cm) with purple, violet, or white hues.

Distinctive hairy pod 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with coarse texture and brownish hue.

Pinnately divided leaves with 7-19 leaflets, oval to lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long.

Bright green elongated stem 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, twining with lush branching growth.

Detailed Traits of Wisterias

Leaf Features

The leaves of wisterias are alternately arranged and pinnately divided, featuring 7-19 leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet has a smooth margin and is typically oval to lance-shaped, measuring between 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in length. The leaflets exhibit a smooth texture with a glossy, deep green color on the upper surface and a paler green on the underside. The veins are prominently pinnate, branching out from the central midrib. These characteristics provide a distinctive and identifying feature for wisterias.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of wisterias are small, downward-facing, and tightly packed in elongated racemes measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. Each flower typically has one large outward-facing petal, known as the standard, complemented by smaller petals. The blossoms are usually shades of purple, violet, or white, and emit a gentle, sweet fragrance. Blooming occurs in mid to late spring, creating a cascading effect that is visually striking and aromatic.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of wisterias is elongated and bright green, characterized by a smooth, sturdy texture. It typically measures between 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. Leaves grow in an opposite pattern along the stem, contributing to its lush appearance. The stem exhibits significant branching, which aids in the plant's climbing habit. Additionally, the stem of wisterias demonstrates a twining nature, allowing it to cling effectively to structures for support.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of wisterias is a distinctive, hairy pod with a somewhat flattened profile, typically maturing to a length of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Inside, it harbors a few seeds. This pod, upon maturing, often exhibits a brownish hue, and the surface texture is characteristically coarse due to the presence of fine hairs. The fruit, while not its most celebrated feature, is a key identification point and persists through the winter, even after leaf fall.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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