Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Wisteria sinensis
| USDA Symbol: | WISI |
| ITIS TSN: | 27023 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | China |
Toxic Characteristics
Seeds and pods are known to be toxic. Can cause nausea or vomiting if ingested.Geographic Distribution
Located in the Northeast and Southeast, from Vermont to Michigan and Florida to Texas, excluding Indiana and Ohio. Present in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed in Galveston County.Introduction Pathways
Brought to the United States in 1816 as a popular ornamental; most infestations are escaped landscape plantings.Specific Primary Habitats
Tolerant to a wide variety of soil and moisture types, but prefers forest edges and disturbed areas, including tree fall gaps. Also invades riparian forests, where it easily spreads by seed transport downstream.Identifying Characteristics
This vine is noted for climbing up host plants in a counter-clockwise spiral. Bark is brown, often with conspicuous white splotches. Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, up to 12 inches in length. Leaflets are pointed with wavy edges. Flowers are pink, lavender, or white, very fragrant and showy. They abundantly occur in hanging clusters that are 15 in. or longer. Seedpods are large, 4 - 6 in. long, velvety, and brown in color with constrictions between seeds.Reproduction Characteristics
Vegetative reproduction via stem and stolon rooting cause localized spread. Flowering occurs in April, before the native American wisteria. In riparian areas, seeds may be transported long distances by water.Growth Characteristics
Chinese wisteria grows rapidly both in height and diameter. Vines reach up to 70 feet tall and 15 in. in girth.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Native shrubs and even trees are strangled and shaded out by Chinese wisteria. Areas of infestation quickly become dense thickets, allowing little other native vegetation to grow.Suggested Control Methods
Apply a 25% water solution of triclopyr when temperatures are above 65 F to a cut stump close to the ground, for large infestations. This does little to non-target species. Use a 4% solution of glyphosate on foliage for smaller infestations.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Dangling cluster of flowers of the Chinese wisteria. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 0016139. |
 Young foliage of the Chinese wisteria. Photo courtesy of J. Scott Peterson, USDA NRCS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1237066. |
 The Chinese wisteria wrapping around a tree trunk. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1380448. |
 Forest edge infestation of the Chinese wisteria in full bloom. Photo courtesy of Wendy VanDyk Evans, www.forestryimages.org, Image Number 1380458. |
 Compound leaf with wavy edges of the Chinese wisteria. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307174. |
 The Chinese wisteria seed pods. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307175. |
 Pine forest infestation of the Chinese wisteria in fruit. Photo courtesy of James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 3694007. |