As March closes and April yawns to life, so do the fragrant blooms of wisteria plants around Richmond and in the greater south.
A sign of spring...
The twining perennial plant is known for its fast-growing vines and cascading purple flowers — like something out of a storybook forest. It’s most often seen climbing up backyard fences, draping across buildings, or clinging to trees or power lines alongside streets and highways.
But, is it supposed to be?
Odds are, the whimsical and fragrant blooms you’re seeing right now are invasive wisteria species — one of two. Bummer, right? It can be tricky to identify native vs. non-native wisteria species, but timing can be one of the first indicators.
“If you’re in the American South and spot blooming wisteria along highways or neighborhood streets in March or April, you’re almost certainly looking at the invasive, non-native species,” according to The Plant Native.
Native American wisteria typically blooms in late spring or early summer, around June and July.
Be the botanist
Once you’re ready to track down some wisteria and put your species-identification skills to the test, iNaturalist created an online map that actively records local sightings. Since 2016, there have already been 100+ reports of wisteria in Richmond, so you have plenty of leads to get started.
