Chinese wisteria is an Asian vine that blooms in mid spring on long, fragrant clusters, sets velvety seed pods, and is considered invasive in parts of the eastern United States. American wisteria is native to the southeastern United States, blooms later on shorter clusters, carries smooth pods, and grows with far less vigor.

Why does it matter which wisteria is growing in a yard?

Because Chinese wisteria can spread well beyond the garden. Its runners root where they touch the ground and its stems climb into nearby trees and shade them out, while the native vine is easier to keep on a trellis, fence, or arbor.

How can the two wisterias be told apart by their flowers?

By cluster length and timing. Chinese wisteria flowers in mid spring, before its leaves fully open, on clusters about 6 to 12 inches long whose flowers open at nearly the same time, while American wisteria flowers in late spring after leafing out, on denser clusters about 2 to 6 inches long.

How do the seed pods of the two wisterias differ?

In texture. Chinese wisteria pods are covered in velvety hairs, while American wisteria pods are smooth, which makes the pods a useful check once the flowers have faded.

How is a Chinese wisteria replaced with the native vine?

By removing the old vine completely before replanting. Where a Chinese wisteria is coming out, its stems are cut close to the ground and the fresh cuts treated with Stump Out Stump & Vine Killer Concentrate, a triclopyr concentrate described as killing vines and keeping stumps from resprouting, before an American wisteria is planted in its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japanese wisteria closer to the Chinese or the American vine?

The Chinese. Japanese wisteria is also an Asian species, with even longer flower clusters, and is considered invasive in parts of the eastern United States as well.

Does American wisteria bloom sooner after planting?

Often, yes. The native vine tends to flower at a younger age, while Chinese wisteria can take several years to start blooming.

Is Kentucky wisteria the same as American wisteria?

Closely related. Kentucky wisteria is often treated as a variety of American wisteria, with longer flower clusters than the typical form.

When are the pods easiest to check?

From late summer into fall. By then the pods have formed and lengthened after the flowers drop.