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Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Deciduous climber (1 Page of 5) The Wisteria sinensis plant species is found in E. Asia - China. Locally naturalized in Europe in France[50]. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese wisteria. Some home gardeners know the variety as W. chinensis. DC. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Wisteria sinensis Common Name: Chinese wisteria Family: Leguminosae Author: (Sims.)Sweet. Known Hazards: The seed of all members of this genus is poisonous[200]. The bark contains a glucoside and a resin that are both poisonous[218].
The seed and seedpod contains a resin and a glycoside called wisterin. They have caused poisoning in children of many countries, producing mild to severe gastroenteritis[249]. Mature Height: 25 Mature Width: 20 Habitat: Clambering over cliffs and trees on woodland edges at low altitudes in W. China[109].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good loamy soil in a sunny south or southwest facing position, sheltered from cold winds and from early morning sun on frosty mornings[11, 200]. Succeeds in partial shade. Plants can become chlorotic on alkaline soils[200]. A soil that is too rich results in excessive foliage at the expense of flowering[200].
Hardy to about -15°c[184, 200].
Plants can take a few years to settle down after planting out[219]. Too much shade or too rich a soil are normally the culprits, some form of root restriction can be beneficial[219].
There are several named forms selected for their ornamental value[188].
Sparrows and other birds frequently eat the young buds of this plant and this is the commonest cause of poor flowering on established plants[184]. Plants sometimes have a second season of flowering in August[219].
The plants flower mainly on short spurs so, if removing unwanted side-branches, it is best to cut them ack to 2 - 3 leaves rather than removing them completely since this will encourage the formation of flowering spurs[249]. Any drastic pruning is best carried out in the spring, immediately after flowering[249]. Plants are very tolerant of even the most drastic pruning and will re-grow even if cut right back to the base[249].
A climbing plant supporting itself by twining around other plants, the shoots twine in an anticlockwise direction[182].
Very tolerant of pruning, plants can regenerate from old wood[202].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
Closely related to W. floribunda[126].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. The plants also form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus which makes more water, phosphorus and other minerals available to the plants[249].
For further Wisteria sinensis gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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