Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria (Leguminosae) Deciduous climber

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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].

Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[105, 177, 183]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at the top of the page. Flowers - cooked. They are thoroughly washed and then boiled or made into fritters[105, 177, 179, 183]. The flowers are also cured in sugar then mixed with flour and made into a famous local delicacy called 'Teng Lo'[249]. The leaves contain allantoic acid[218]. They are used as a tea substitute[218]. The young leaves have also been eaten[249].

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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'.
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