Elliot Kim
Wisteria is a beautiful plant that adds a splash of colour in the spring. However, it is also a killer. The two Asiatic species, Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda, are both non-native, introduced species that have become exceptionally invasive in the urban forests of the Mid-Atlantic. Once established, wisteria can be difficult to eradicate and can persist for years, strangling native trees and shrubs. It can kill or disfigure desirable trees in the landscape. Wisteria can be controlled by herbicides or mechanical controls, but it will require a lot of effort to remove it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Invasive species | Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda |
| Native species | Wisteria frutescens |
| Invasive control methods | Mechanical (e.g. chainsaws, hand-pulling, digging up roots) and chemical (herbicides, glyphosate, Garlon, Crossbow) |
| Toxicity | Leaves, fruit, and seeds are poisonous |
| Alternative species | American wisteria, sweet azalea, evergreen wisteria |
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What You'll Learn
Wisteria's invasive nature
Wisteria is a fast-growing vine that can quickly overwhelm gardens, trees, and entire landscapes. Its invasive nature is due to its ability to establish itself quickly and spread through seeds and above-ground stolons. Once it has taken hold, it is challenging to eradicate and can persist for years, strangling native trees and shrubs. The vines grow by climbing as high as possible to seek out sunlight, and in doing so, they can choke and kill trees.
Wisteria vines produce thick foliage that shades out the tree, causing it to drop needles prematurely and weakening it. The weight of the vines and foliage also increases the risk of the tree falling during a windstorm. Wisteria can grow to the top of 50- to 70-foot-tall trees, and as the vines grow in diameter, they can slowly choke and kill even large trees.
The invasive nature of wisteria is particularly associated with the Chinese and Japanese varieties, specifically the Asiatic species Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda. These non-native species have become exceptionally invasive in urban forests, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. The American species, Wisteria frutescens, is a non-invasive alternative that still offers showy flowers and some climbing without the same level of uncontrollable spread.
Controlling and removing wisteria can be challenging and tedious. Mechanical control methods, such as cutting the vine off at the root or using chainsaws, can be effective but may require persistent effort as wisteria will continue to sprout after being cut. Chemical control methods, such as herbicides and chemical applications like the hack and squirt method, can also be used but must be applied carefully and may need to be combined with mechanical controls for effectiveness.
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Wisteria's climbing mechanism
Wisteria is a group of deciduous and vigorous climbers that originate from parts of Asia and the United States. The Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) and the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) are perhaps the most well-known. These two species are both non-native, introduced species that have become exceptionally invasive in the urban forests of the Mid-Atlantic.
Wisteria is a climbing plant that can grow up and around other trees, such as oak trees. It does not cling to trees or other structures on its own. Instead, it needs to be trained to climb in a specific direction. To train a wisteria to climb vertically, for example, you can loosely tie its upright stems to steel wires installed on vine eyes. Wisterias climb either clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on the variety.
Wisteria is a charismatic woody vine that naturally grows in temperate zones. It has been the subject of research aimed at understanding how successive cambia evolved within seed plants. The vascular cambium, which is involved in hydraulic and mechanical properties, has been conserved in most plant lineages over millions of years. New increments of successive cambia are usually not annual and are not seasonally dependent. They may be associated with functional adaptations that maximize water transport, mechanical resistance, and flexibility.
Wisteria can be grown as a standalone tree, although this is less common than growing it as a climber. When grown as a climber, it can reach great heights, climbing as high as 50 to 70 feet tall. As it grows, it seeks out sunlight and gradually chokes the tree it is climbing by growing in diameter. Heavy infestations of wisteria can choke out entire trees.
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Methods to kill wisteria
Wisteria is a fast-growing vine that can quickly take over plants, trees, and buildings. It is a tenacious plant that can be difficult to eradicate once established. Here are some methods to kill wisteria:
- Mechanical removal: Smaller plants and clumps can be removed by hand-pulling or digging up the roots. Be sure to dispose of the wisteria properly and watch out for resprouts.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can help keep wisteria under control. Cut the wisteria to the ground to prevent it from resprouting. Remove dead or dying branches, and cut backside branches about a foot from the main trunk. Look out for and remove any suckers near the base.
- Herbicides: For more established infestations, herbicides can be used. Paint or apply the herbicide directly to the stump or cut vine tips. Be cautious when using herbicides, and follow the directions carefully. Only spray the foliage as a last resort to avoid harming other plants.
- Professional help: If the infestation is severe or other methods are ineffective, consider hiring a professional service to remove the wisteria.
Remember that wisteria is a persistent plant, and removal may require ongoing efforts over a long period.
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Wisteria's toxicity
Wisteria is a climbing vine that can grow to great heights, seeking sunlight. It is a beautiful plant, often admired for its cascades of purple flowers. However, it is also invasive and can choke and strangle trees, leading to their death. Wisterias produce thick foliage, which can shade out trees, causing them to drop needles and weaken. The weight of the vines can also bring down trees in windstorms.
The plant is toxic, with its leaves, fruit and seeds all posing a threat if ingested. The seeds, in particular, are very poisonous. Wisteria should be kept away from children and pets.
There are several methods to control and eradicate wisteria. Mechanical methods include cutting the vine at the base and digging up the roots. However, this can be tedious and costly, as wisteria is known to persist and will continue to sprout after being cut. Chemical methods include herbicides and specific chemicals such as glyphosate, Garlon, and Crossbow.
Native alternatives to the invasive wisteria species include American wisteria and sweet azalea, which are less likely to harm native trees.
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Non-invasive alternatives
While wisteria is beautiful, some varieties are invasive and can strangle and kill trees. If you live in the Puget Sound area and want to avoid invasive wisteria, here are some non-invasive alternatives to consider:
- American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens): This variety is native to the southeastern United States and thrives in partial sun and moist, well-draining soil. It has deep blue/purple flowers and blooms in the spring and summer. It may even bloom twice in a season and is more cold-tolerant than its Asian counterparts. While it still grows vigorously, it is easier to manage and can be contained with proper pruning and support.
- Evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata): This is a non-native, non-invasive variety with glossy, leathery green leaves and small, fragrant flowers that bloom during the summer.
- Honeysuckle: Fragrant honeysuckle is another native North American climbing plant that can add colour and impact to your garden.
- Clematis vines: For flowering native alternatives, consider native clematis vines such as pale leather flowers or virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), which produces masses of white blooms in the spring.
- Sweet azalea: This native species is another alternative to invasive Chinese or Japanese wisteria.
Remember, when choosing any plant, it is important to select varieties that are well-suited to your specific region and growing conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Wisteria vines climb up trees to reach sunlight and wrap around their trunks and branches, choking them and causing them to drop needles prematurely, weakening the tree. The weight of the vines and foliage increases the chance of the tree falling in a windstorm.
Wisteria is an invasive species in the Puget Sound region. It can kill or disfigure desirable native trees in the landscape and is toxic to humans and pets.
Wisteria can be controlled by herbicides or mechanical methods. To remove it, cut the vine off as close to the root as possible and treat the stump with herbicide or a strong glyphosate solution. Be aware that wisteria will continue to sprout after being cut, so you will have to cut it back regularly.
Yes, there are several native species that can be used as alternatives to wisteria, such as American wisteria and sweet azalea. These alternatives are showy and fragrant and have less risk of harming other native trees and shrubs.
