Knowledgebase

Wisterias identity #910685

Asked July 21, 2025, 11:59 AM EDT

image


Hi , Sir :
I am a local resident living in clarksburg village . I heard your office provide wisteria identity check service .
I planted one into my backyard before I know Chinese or Japanese wisteria is not sortable to plant close to house . So I need your help to make sure the wisteria in my back yard is an America wisteria .
I add the video of the plant to you .
Thanks
Regards
Xiaomei 
From butterfly home


Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

It can be difficult to identify the origin of wisteria from the leaves alone. Do they have any seed pods? That is the easiest identity trait. Chinese and Japanese wisteria have fuzzy or soft seed pods, while American wisteria's seed pods are smooth. Did it bloom this year? American wisteria blooms a little later than non-native species. What is the growth habit like? The Asian species tend to be very fast-growing, while the native species is a bit slower.

Do you still have the plant tag? If so, it should say Wisteria frutescens, which is the native species. If you were not actively seeking the American species, it is likely that you planted an invasive one, unfortunately, since the American species is a little bit hard to find.

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 21, 2025, 3:11 PM EDT
Thanks!

The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2025, 6:40 AM EDT
Hi , Emily 
Thanks for responding! 
I planted it 5 years ago from a little one . I don’t remember where I shopped from . 
It’s in the back yard . This is the fifth year it’s suddenly grow up this year . I didn’t come back until 28th May . And because it is in the backyard , I seldom to go to check its growth .
I will go to check again and try to find out whether it has seed bag or not .
I add a video I made about the wisteria to you .

Xiaomei 
0722_1.MOV
The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2025, 7:00 AM EDT
Unfortunately we can't view video files on this platform, only images. We suspect, given the circumstances, that it's a Chinese or Japanese Wisteria species, but can't be certain until it flowers.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 22, 2025, 9:48 AM EDT

Loading ...