American Wisteria plant profile
Wisteria frutescens
A perennial ornamental for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant American Wisteria
American wisteria is a twining native vine with drooping lilac-purple flower racemes in spring (NC State: April to May, after the leaves emerge), a far less aggressive choice than Asian wisterias. Plant in spring or fall on a sturdy support in full sun; it dislikes transplanting, so choose the site carefully, and may take two to three years to flower.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open American Wisteria in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 5 to 6
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zones 5a to 9bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: honey fungus, foliage chewing insects.
Next steps
Continue with American Wisteria
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Wisteria (Wisteria species) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.