Native Alternative to Invasive Imported Wisteria

In the spring, wisteria blooms along roads and trees. It reminds me that spring always comes true, and it’s amazing how quickly it grows. Some types of wisteria may be beautiful, but they’re considered invasive species and should be grown with caution (if at all).

If you love the lush beauty of wisteria, the native American species is a great alternative that gives you all the glory without so much of the worry.

Imported Japanese Wisteria

Chinese and Japanese wisterias (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda) are beautiful vines that bloom in the spring. They have twisting trunks and large, purple or pink flowers that hang down from them. When you think of wisteria, you probably think of these types, draping their foot-long blossoms from high tree branches and growing wild along highways.

When these non-native vines are introduced into American forests (often accidentally by well-meaning gardeners), they quickly spread. They block light and water, create dense thickets, interfere with the growth of new saplings, and can even pulli large trees down with their heavy, woody stems.

Chinese and Japanese wisterias are considered invasive species, but you can still buy them. It’s also tempting to take a cutting or sprout from a vine that’s grown naturally. However, unless you plan to be extra diligent in training and controlling your wisteria, you may want to think twice about bringing it into your yard.

Native Alternative: American Wisteria

As an alternative, consider growing the less invasive American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). Native to eastern North America, this beautiful vine is every bit as spectacular, with slightly smaller blooms that sometimes repeat in the fall. However, it’s less invasive than its Asian cousins and much less likely to get out of control.

The easiest way to identify American wisteria is by the blooms. While Asian species have elongated blossoms with loose dripping petals, the blooms of American wisteria are shorter, rounder, and more compact (rather pinecone shaped).

While the flowers of American wisteria are less aromatic than Asian wisteria, they’re just as beautiful. You can also identify American wisteria by its smooth seed pods, compared with the fuzzy seed pots of Chinese and Japanese species.

When planting American wisteria, don’t be fooled by its claim to be harmless. American wisteria is very aggressive, quickly covering trees and growing tall in the trees. Also, it’s faster to establish and more cold-tolerant than Asian wisteria. American wisteria is native to southeastern wetlands, where it grows in partial sun.

How to Grow American Wisteria

Follow these tips when growing American wisteria in your yard:

• Water: Because it’s native to wetlands, wisteria may need a little irrigation during dry spells.
• Use Trellis: Keep wisteria under control by training it to a trellis or arbor, rather than allowing it to grow up trees.
• Gently Tie: Wisterias climb by twining (rather than clinging), so they may need to be gently tied to the trellis until they grow around it.
• Keep Pruned: Any vine can run out of control if it’s not tended. Keep wisteria trained to its designated spot, and remove any sprouts or tendrils that stray into neighboring trees or bushes.

Which Wisteria Is for You?

Japanese wisteria can be beautiful to look at, with lovely large blooms in the spring time.

Homeowners may be tempted to bring some back to your yard, but that comes at a cost. Invasive plants, like European ground ivy and Japanese wisteria, spread quickly. Sometimes, strangling ground cover in their way.

aIf you’ve come to terms with replacing imported wisteria with a native alternative, American wisteria is a native species that’s just as beautiful and, while still needs supervision, isn’t as aggressive as its Asian counterpart.