Silky Wisteria (Wisteria venusta)

At a glance

Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −28.9 °C

Cultivation

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. Hardy to about -20°c. Plants can take a few years to settle down after planting out. The name for this species was originally based on the cultivated garden form with white flowers. The true wild form is known as W. venusta violacea. Rehd. Cultivated as a fibre plant in Japan. There are several named varieties, develed for their ornamental value. The plants flower mainly on short spurs so, if removing unwanted side-branches, it is best to cut them back to 2 - 3 leaves rather than removing them completely since this will encourage the formation of flowering spurs. A vigorous climbing plant supporting itself by twining around other plants, the shoots twine in an anticlockwise direction. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. 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.

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. Basal cuttings of side-shoots in early to mid summer in a frame. 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.

Edible uses

Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at the top of the page. Young leaves - cooked.

Medicinal uses

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.

Material uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cloth and thread.

Habitat

Clambering over cliffs and trees on woodland edges in mountains and hills.

Native range

E. Asia - Japan.