Purple By the Highway: Wisteria in SC

The Great Grape-Colored Vine

You know it's Spring in SC when you see Wisteria in bloom!


Chinese and Japanese Wisteria Distribution Map   

State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management

       While SC does see both American and Kentucky Wisteria bloom, most of the visible Wisteria is of the Chinese or Japanese variety. Like the previously discussed invasive vine, Kudzu, the Wisteria vine came from Asia in the early 1800s, touted for its ornamental purposes. Notice how both Kudzu and Wisteria have spread into many of the same areas in the United States, as shown on the map. And much like Kudzu, its rapid growth was unpredicted and therefore unmanaged. The result? Wisteria vines have been known to create canopies over forests (shading plants meant to grow in the sun), choke and break tree limbs, and even completely overtake smaller trees.

Native vs. Non-Native

Aren't they all just purple flowers?


       American Wisteria (pictured left) and Chinese Wisteria (pictured right, very similar to Japanese Wisteria) have some key differences. First, and most obvious, is the length of blooms. American Wisteria is significantly shorter than its Asian counterparts, but is not as aggressive/restrictive. This is evident as Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife's claim that "[W]hile they are pretty, most [emphasis added] of what you are seeing is invasive." Additionally, American Wisteria is scentless, while Asian Wisterias have a grape scent to them (believe me, I know from personal experience, and you can tell the difference).
       Even though most of the decorative effect alongside American Southern highways provided by Wisteria comes from non-native versions of it, Wisteria is by far an iconic element of the backdrop of South Carolina.

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