Silky Wisteria

Wisteria venusta

Physical Characteristics

Wisteria venusta is a deciduous Climber growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June. 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 - Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[105]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at the top of the page. Young leaves - cooked[61, 105].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Antitumor Galls that develop on the plant as a result of infection by the bacterium Erwinia milletiae are used in Japanese folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent[249]. Recent research has shown that substances in these galls can be used in the treatment of gastric cancer and can also inhibit kin tumour promotion by the Epstein-Barr virus[249].

Known Hazards

The seed of all members of this genus is poisonous[200].