Kentucky Wisteria Seeds 10 Count Wisteria macrostachya Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 (Elevation indifferent) Height: 40 ft Spread: 40 ft Form: Irregular, regular Type: Deciduous vine, deciduous Tree, deciduous Shrub, dependent upon training and pruning Growth Rate: More than 24 inches Flowers: Lavender flowers Comments: Kentucky Wisteria is a high-climbing woody, deciduous vine, 25-30 ft. long, with fragrant, bluish purple, two-lipped flowers in 4-6 in., densely flowered clusters. Shiny, dark-green, pinnately compound leaves bear 9-15 leaflets. A brown, bean-like pod persists until winter. A very-fast-growing vine that can reach 30 feet, however, it is usually trained to a trellis, arbor or other more confined structure. The main ornamental feature is the drooping, 18-inch clusters of lavender flowers borne in the spring. The flower color can vary depending on the cultivar used. Any support must be of sturdy construction as the plant will become extremely heavy in time. Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound, 9 to 15 ovate leaflets each 2 to 3 inches long, dark green above. Flower: Very showy, purple pea-like flowers, occurring in long hanging clusters, 8 to 12 inches long, appearing with the leaves, racemes to 18 in early spring. Fruit: Finely fuzzy, pea-like pods, 3 to 6 inches long, persistent. Twig: Slender, light brown, raised circular leaf scar, appressed triangular light brown buds, and false terminal bud. Bark: Smooth, gray-brown, and fluted. Trunk can be quite large for a vine; older specimens can reach a foot in diameter. Form: A climbing twining vine, reaching up to 40 feet or greater in height often covering trees, old farm buildings, and fences. Shape: Irregular, regular formal, and topiary, depending on preference Foliage: Alternate, simple, evergreen, ovate with apex pointed. Exposure: Full sun, partial shade, or mix. Water: Medium. Water well when young, but do not flood or puddle; quite drought resistant once established. Discussion: This species is equally as sturdy as and slightly less aggressive than the similar Asian species. The species is easier to train for the novice and experienced grower. If training to a framework, lattice or fence, ensure that the structure is sufficiently strong enough to support it during growth. American Wisteria has been known to crush silos and barns when let to run rampant! SO be very careful with your choice of support. The cascade of bluish purple flowers is a sight to behold! Growth Habit: Wisteria can grow into a mound when unsupported, but is at its best when allowed to clamber up a tree, pergola, wall, or other supporting structure. Whatever the case, the support must be very sturdy, because mature Wisteria can become immensely strong and heavy wrist-thick trunks and stems. These will certainly rend latticework, crush thin wooden posts, and can even strangle large trees. Wisteria allowed to grow on houses can cause damage to gutters, downspouts, and similar structures. Its pendulous racemes are best viewed from below. Warning -- Plant parts are toxic to humans if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person
