**Botanical Details**:
– Wisteria seeds contain wisterin toxin.
– Wisterias climb by twining their stems.
– Wisteria can climb up to 20m and spread 10m.
– Leaves are pinnate with 9 to 19 leaflets.
– Flowers have fragrant racemes of varying lengths and colors.
– Genus Wisteria established by Thomas Nuttall in 1818.
– Named in memory of Caspar Wistar.
– Wisteria was previously included in the genus Glycine.
– The spelling of Wisteria was a deliberate choice.
– Molecular studies placed Wisteria in the tribe Wisterieae.
– Distinct from other members of the Millettieae.
– Moved to the expanded tribe Wisterieae in 2019.
– Accepted species include W. brachybotrys, W. floribunda, W. frutescens, and W. sinensis.
– Each species has its common name and distribution.
– Japanese wisteria is the largest in Japan.
– American wisteria is found in the United States.
– Chinese wisteria is native to specific regions in China.
**Toxicity and Ecology**:
– Wisteria seeds contain the toxic saponin wisterin.
– Ingestion can lead to various symptoms.
– Debate exists on the toxicity of other plant parts.
– Poisoning incidents have been reported in children and pets.
– Effects range from mild to severe gastroenteritis.
– Wisteria species are food plants for some Lepidoptera larvae.
– Larvae of brown-tail moth feed on Wisteria.
**Cultivation and Growth**:
– Japanese and Chinese wisteria are popular in North America.
– Considered invasive species in some U.S. regions.
– Japanese wisteria has long racemes and decorative cultivars.
– Wisteria is hardy, fast-growing, and can thrive in various soils.
– Propagation methods include cuttings and grafting for faster blooming.
– Wisteria needs potassium and phosphate, but not nitrogen for growth.
– Maturation can be accelerated by physical stress like root pruning.
– Best supported when allowed to climb on structures like trees or pergolas.
– Pruning side shoots in early spring can enhance flower visibility.
**Art and Symbolism**:
– Wisteria has been a symbol in Japanese crests and heraldry.
– Used in artistic works and industrial design in the West.
– ‘The Wisteria Maiden’ dance embodies the spirit of wisteria.
– Wisterias have been used in building materials like stained glass.
– Mon (family crests) in Japan often feature wisteria motifs.
**Historical Significance and References**:
– Wisteria has been cultivated for centuries and holds cultural significance.
– Used in various art forms and as a symbol in different cultures.
– The plant has been studied for its genetic makeup and evolutionary patterns.
– Different varieties of wisteria have unique characteristics and colors.
– Wisteria has been depicted in literature, art, and architecture worldwide.
– Various sources like botanical gardens and books provide information on wisteria.
– Different wisteria species have been studied for their genetic and toxicological aspects.
– Festivals and events celebrate the beauty and diversity of wisterias.
– Expert identification is recommended before consuming any wild plant.
– The national collection of wisteria in the UK is held by Chris Lane at Witch Hazel Nursery.