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Wisteria japonica - Siebold.&Zucc.

Common Name
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards The seed of all members of this genus is poisonous[200].
Habitats Clambering over cliffs and trees on woodland edges and in thickets in lowland, C. and S. Japan.
Range E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Wisteria japonica


commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Millettia_japonica_SZ43.png
Wisteria japonica
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:S_Sepp

 

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Summary

UPDATE 12/09/2011: Wisteria japonica Siebold & Zucc. is a synonym of Millettia japonica (Siebold & Zucc.) A.Gray


Physical Characteristics

 
Wisteria japonica is a deciduous Climber.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Milletia japonica. Sieb.&Zucc.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses:

Seed - cooked[105]. A famine food, used when all else fails[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page. Young leaves - cooked[105]. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[177].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good loamy soil in a sunny south or south-west facing position, sheltered from cold winds and from early morning sun on frosty mornings[11, 200]. Plants can become chlorotic on alkaline soils[200]. A soil that is too rich results in excessive foliage at the expense of flowering[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country[200]. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species, many authorities referring it to a separate genus as Millettia japonica (Sieb.&Zucc.)A.Gray.[249]. Plants can take a few years to settle down after planting out[219]. Too much shade or too rich a soil are normally the culprits, some form of root restriction can be beneficial[219]. A climbing plant, attaching itself to branches or whatever by twining in a clockwise direction[249]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. The plants also form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus which makes more water, phosphorus and other minerals available to the plants[249].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

The seed does not exhibit any dormancy habits. It can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame and should germinate in the spring. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in a greenhouse in early spring. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seedbed in late spring[126]. Germination should take place in the first spring, though it can sometimes be delayed for another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Plants are very slow from seed and can take up to 20 years to come into flower[200]. Basal cuttings of side-shoots in early to mid summer in a frame[200]. Take the cuttings as soon as the new growth has hardened sufficiently, each cutting should have 2 - 3 leaves[249]. It can also help to remove a shallow slice of bark from the bottom 15mm of the cutting to expose extra cambium, since this will encourage more callusing and better rooting[249]. When kept in a mist frame with a bottom heat of 27 - 30°c, they will root within 4 weeks and produce well-established plants by the autumn[249]. Layering in spring. Simply lay any convenient long shoot along the ground and cover it with a shallow layer of soil. The shoot will readily produce roots at intervals along the stem. When these are well formed, the shoot can be divided up into a number of plants. These should be potted up and kept in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until well established and can then be planted out as required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Wisteria floribundaJapanese WisteriaClimber8.0 5-9 MLMHNM202
Wisteria frutescensAmerican WisteriaClimber12.0 4-8  LMHNM103
Wisteria sinensisChinese WisteriaClimber25.0 5-9 MLMHNM113
Wisteria venustaSilky WisteriaClimber10.0 4-8  LMHNM121
Wisteria villosa Climber0.0 -  LMHNM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Siebold.&Zucc.

Botanical References

1158200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

China Galland   Thu Jan 5 2006

This is the most helpful page I've found. I'm researching the truth about whether or not the Verhalen Nursery in Scottsville (outside of Marshall, TX) introduced wisteria vines to EAst Texas as has always been claimed in my family---the Verhalens. I'm writing a book for publication and want to be accurate. The Verhalen Nursery was founded around 1900-1903 (was the STandard Orchard company out of Chicago)... and the nursery was closed permanently in 1976. ONe Verhalen family member still grows and sells wisteria. how can I find out what's true here. I've always thought wisteria was brought into this country from China, like magnolias... yes? No? any information you can give me will be appreciated and acknowledged in my book. thank you! China Galland

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Subject : Wisteria japonica  
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