WISTERIA

also spelled Wistaria, genus of twining, usually woody vines, of the pea family (Fabaceae), mostly native to Asia and North America but widely cultivated in other regions for their attractive growth habit and beautiful profuse flowers. The alternate leaves are pinnately compound (feather formed). The flowers, which grow in large, drooping clusters, are blue, purple, rose, or white. Cultivated species include W. floribunda (Japanese wisteria), native to Japan and the hardiest member of the genus; W. frutescens (American wisteria), native to the southeastern United States; W. macrostachya (Kentucky wisteria), native to the central and southern United States; and W. sinensis (Chinese wisteria), native to China.