Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis is a long-lived (50 years) woody vine introduced into the U.S. as an ornamental from China in 1816 and Japan in 1830. It reproduces by stolons, seed, and by rooting at each node along its stem. It is aggressively invasive in 19 U.S. states and classified by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as a Tier II invasive species defined as “currently causing moderately negative impacts on wildlife or natural communities in Louisiana”.
Chinese Wisteria can displace native plants by covering them and limiting light availability and by girdling host trees and shrubs. The aggressive growth of this species also can compromise and damage structures. Dispersal of this species to natural areas primarily occurs near homesites where Chinese Wisteria is cultivated. This species is still promoted and sold as an ornamental vine.
Landscape With These Native Plants Instead:
