Silky wisteria Wisteria brachybotrys 'Showa-beni'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae

• Synonyms

  Silky Wisteria, Showa-beni Silky Wisteria

• Common names

  Millettia japonica 'Showa-beni', Wisteriosis brachybotrys 'Showa-beni'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Silky wisteria 'Showa-beni', like other members of the Wisteria genus, contains toxic compounds known as lectins and glycosides which can be harmful to humans if ingested. The seeds and pods are considered to be the most toxic parts of the plant. If any parts of the plant are eaten, symptoms of toxicity may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, poisoning may lead to dehydration, confusion, and collapse. It is important to seek medical attention if ingestion has occurred and poisoning is suspected.

• To pets

  Silky wisteria 'Showa-beni' is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The toxic elements, primarily lectins and glycosides, are found across all parts of the plant but are most concentrated in the seeds and pods. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms of poisoning could manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as collapse, seizures, or even death. Prompt veterinary care is crucial if a pet has consumed any part of the wisteria plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  10 20 feet (3 6 meters)

• Spread

  10 20 feet (3 6 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Japan

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Wisteria brachybotrys 'Showa-beni', also known as the Silky Wisteria, is admired for its cascading clusters of pink flowers that add a romantic and picturesque quality to gardens.
• Scent: The blooms of Silky Wisteria emit a pleasing fragrance, contributing to a sensory garden experience.
• Landscape Versatility: This plant can be trained to grow on arbors, trellises, and pergolas, making it versatile for a variety of landscaping designs.
• Seasonal Interest: Silky Wisteria provides visual interest throughout its blooming season, typically in late spring or early summer, marking the arrival of warmer weather.
• Shade Creation: When grown over structures, it can provide a natural canopy, offering a shaded area to enjoy during sunny days.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
• Privacy Screen: When grown densely, it can act as a living screen, providing privacy and reducing noise from neighbors or streets.
• Cultural Significance: Wisteria holds cultural importance in many parts of the world, especially in East Asia, where it features in art and festivals, thus adding a symbolic element to the garden.
• Longevity: With proper care, Silky Wisteria is a long-lived plant that can continue to flourish for many years, often outliving the person who planted it.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Wisteria can be used in bonsai cultivation, providing a miniature version of the majestic vine that can be grown indoors or in small spaces.
• The sturdy vines of a wisteria plant can be trained over time to form natural arbors or entryways, creating beautiful living architecture in the garden.
• Some artisans use the wood of the wisteria to craft furniture or decorative items due to its attractive grain and durability when dried properly.
• The blooms of wisteria can be used in flower arrangements to add height and a cascading effect, often admired for their fragrance and vibrant color.
• The long vines of the wisteria can be woven into artistic shapes and structures, similar to willow or vine basketry, for creative garden art.
• Photographers often utilize the picturesque wisteria blooms as a backdrop for springtime photo shoots, weddings, and other special events.
• Culinary experimentation with wisteria has led to the flowers being used as a garnish, though caution is advised as only certain parts of some species are edible.
• In landscape design, a wisteria-covered pergola can provide a natural cooling effect by shading an area during the hot summer months.
• Because wisteria can grow to significant heights, they are sometimes employed in sound barrier landscaping to help muffle urban noise when planted along fences or walls.
• Poets and writers are often inspired by the beauty of the wisteria, leading to its inclusion in literature and poetry as a symbol of love, sensuality, or the passing of time.

Feng Shui

The Wisteria is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Wisteria is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Longevity and Wisdom: Wisteria can live for many decades, even centuries. The plant's ability to grow old while still blooming reflects wisdom accumulated over a long life.
• Patience and Endurance: Wisteria may take several years to bloom for the first time. This symbolizes the virtue of patience and the ability to endure waiting for something beautiful.
• Love and Romantic Relationships: With its cascading blossoms, wisteria is often associated with love, sensuality, and the intense feelings associated with new relationships.
• Welcome and Hospitality: In some traditions, wisteria is planted near the front door of a home as it is believed to invite good things into the space and signifies the welcoming nature of the residents.
• Good Luck and New Beginnings: Wisteria's lush growth and prolific flowers can signify good luck and the advent of favorable new beginnings or ventures.
• Mystery and Immortality: The twisted vines of wisteria are likened to the mysteries of life, and the plant's durability and ability to bloom year after year may symbolize immortality or the endless cycle of life.