Chinese Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis · Deciduous woody vine (often trained to tree/standard form)
Plant Family
Fabaceae (Legume Family)
Tree Category
Flowering, Ornamental, Climber
Variety / Cultivar
None specified; common species.
Hardiness Zones
5 to 8
About This Tree
A vigorous, long-lived woody vine that is often trained as a tree or 'standard.' It features heavy, gnarled, clockwise-twining trunks and a spreading canopy. It produces pendulous clusters of fragrant lavender-purple pea-like flowers.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, alternate leaves typically 10-12 inches long with 7 to 13 ovate leaflets. Bronze-colored when emerging, turning dark green in summer, and yellow in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown, becoming heavily furrowed, gnarly, and twisted with age. The trunks often fuse together to create a massive, muscular appearance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
China; naturalized extensively in the Eastern United States.
Growing Season
Flowers in early to mid-spring before leaf-out; foliage persists through summer; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best flowering; medium water needs. Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is preferred.
Mature Size
Vines can reach 40-60 feet; when trained as a tree, height is controlled by support (typically 10-20 feet), fast growth rate, 50+ year lifespan.
Special Characteristics
Highly fragrant flowers; extreme longevity; can be invasive in certain regions; drought-tolerant once established; nitrogen-fixing.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nectar for bees and butterflies; serves as a host plant for certain skipper butterflies. Dense foliage provides nesting sites for birds.