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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].



Propagation Notes:  The seed does not exhibit any dormancy habits. It can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame and should germinate in the spring. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in a greenhouse in early spring. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seedbed in late spring[126]. Germination should take place in the first spring, though it can sometimes be delayed for another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Plants are very slow from seed and can take up to 20 years to come into flower[200]. Basal cuttings of side-shoots in early to mid summer in a frame[200]. Take the cuttings as soon as the new growth has hardened sufficiently, each cutting should have 2 - 3 leaves[249]. It can also help to remove a shallow slice of bark from the bottom 15mm of the cutting to expose extra cambium, since this will encourage more callousing and better rooting[249]. When kept in a mist frame with a bottom heat of 27 - 30°c, they will root within 4 weeks and produce well-established plants by the autumn[249]. Layering in spring. Simply lay any convenient long shoot along the ground and cover it with a shallow layer of soil. The shoot will readily produce roots at intervals along the stem. When these are well formed, the shoot can be divided up into a number of plants. These should be potted up and kept in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until well established and can then be planted out as required. Division of suckers in the winter[249]. If growing named varieties, it is of course necessary to enure they are growing on their own roots if the suckers are to be true to type[249].

For further Wisteria sinensis gardening information
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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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