American wisteria grown as a tree, Amethyst Falls.

Most people think of Chinese or Japanese wisteria. They are what is most common and have been sold longer. There are a few American varieties. I grow amethyst falls other names: wisteria frutescens, Texas wisteria, Kentucky wisteria ...there’s a lot. I show how my Japanese plant is bigger in structure and bloom size. The Japanese variety produces blooms that open from the end of the vine down to the trunk providing longer blooms periods. Chinese and American wisteria vines wrap around counter clockwise and Japanese wraps clockwise. American varieties bloom smaller and are less fragrant. They do have showy bark that peels as the plant grows, it provides nice winter interest. I’ve seen they are less aggressive and slower growing. Traditional wisteria grow to about 100 ft while the American varieties top out about 30. Mine re-bloom because I keep them as standards. They are almost constantly being pruned. All wisteria need strong supports because they do get heavy. From what I’ve found online, they are thought to live about 50+ years. American wisteria is often used as bonsai because they have smaller slower growth habits. Wisteria are poisonous please be aware or do research when planting anything especially if you have feisty kids or pets. They do grow from seed and can be avoided by deadheading.