Almost all blooms result in seed production and ultimately an attempt at the colonization of new territory for each species. It usually is at the expense of another species, but at least with native plants it is a balanced competition.
Unfortunately, there are exotic invasive species which are contributing to the spring and summer color pyrotechnics. Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) will be seen blooming plentifully from every tree, fence and any other structure it is able to climb.
There are ten species identified as Wisteria in this genus, with Wisteria floribunda native to Japan. Other members of this genus originate in China, Korea and even the eastern United States.
Japanese Wisteria is a beautiful, but invasive vine. The flowers are plentiful, but the vine will take over when given the chance.
In its native range, Wisteria floribunda is prized for its hardiness and flowering capacity. It produces the largest flowers in its genus, and they have a pleasant scent.
The vine was imported into the U.S. during the 1830’s when Japan was still a closed society. Its tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions and profuse lavender blooms made it an ornamental in high demand.
Growth of the Wisteria vine is usually limited only to the height of the plant or structure it is climbing on. It is not uncommon to see it grow more than 65 feet in height.
Flowering occurs through May with velvety brown seedpods produced soon after. The pods are four to six inches long with black or dark brown butterbean shaped seeds which are toxic to mammals.
Maturing seeds are hanging in Wisteria vines waiting for the opportunity to add to the sinewy tangle that ensnares trees, fences and even buildings.
The problem with Wisteria is its growth pattern. Wisteria floribunda is a vine which will grow up virtually anything in its path and, curiously enough, grow in a clockwise configuration.
By climbing into the canopy of trees or plants, it can shade them out, impairing those plants from effectively growing. Over time, Wisteria will climb and twine around other plants, eventually shading and girdling native plants.
As a result of this aggressive and destructive behavior, Wisteria floribunda has been labeled a category II invasive exotic by Florida Exotic Pest Plant’s Council. This designation indicates the adverse effects on Florida’s biodiversity and native plants, and the need for pest plant management.
A category II invasive exotic is a plant which has increased in abundance or frequency, but has not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by category I species. Category I species have altered native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) looks similar to its Japanese cousin and grows well, but not overly aggressively, in north Florida. This native plant is a vine with somewhat more subdued blooms, but it is used in ornamental applications with fewer control challenges.
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