Chinese Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis
- Native to:
- China
Foto: Jonn Leffmann
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Wisteria
- Species:
- Wisteria sinensis
- USDA Symbol:
- WISI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Vine
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, blue, violet
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Blinded Sphinx (Paonias excaecata), Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Effecta Euchlaena Moth (Euchlaena effecta), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Io moth (Automeris io), Red-humped caterpillar moth (Schizura concinna), Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) Butterflies:Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers sunny locations with good air circulation
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.