Status in Florida: Native
Size at Maturity: Typically grows as a woody vine that can reach lengths of 30 feet or more.
Phenology: Deciduous woody vine with compound leaves and long clusters of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Life Cycle: Perennial
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of various soil types
Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
Moisture Requirements: Prefers moderately moist soil, but can tolerate occasional drought once established
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
Recommended Landscape Uses: Trellises, arbors, fences, pergolas, walls
Maintenance Tips: Moderate maintenance; prune back in late winter to early spring to control size and promote flowering; may require regular pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain shape
Considerations: American Wisteria is less aggressive than its Asian counterparts and is less likely to become invasive.
Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
Edible: The flowers are edible and can be used to make syrups, jellies, or desserts; however, other parts of the plant, including seeds, pods, and foliage, are toxic if ingested.
Medicinal Uses: Not commonly used in herbal medicine; all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Toxicity to Pets: All parts of the plant, including seeds, pods, and foliage, are toxic if ingested by pets, and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms.
Florida Native Companion Plant: Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Climbing Aster (Symphyotrichum carolinianum)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for various insects and birds
Caterpillar Host Plant: Larval host plant to both the silver-spotted skipper and the long-tailed skipper butterflies