Chinese Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis

Physical Characteristics

Wisteria sinensis is a deciduous Climber growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China. Locally naturalized in Europe in France[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Seed Edible Uses: Tea 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].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiac Diuretic The seed is diuretic[178, 218]. It is used in the treatment of heart ailments[178, 218]. One report says that the stems and flowers are also used in Chinese medicine, but gives no more information[249].

Known Hazards

The seed of all members of this genus is poisonous[200]. The bark contains a glycoside 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 gastro-enteritis[249].