Family: Fabaceae

Wisteria floribunda, commonly known as Japanese wisteria, is a deciduous, woody vine in the pea family valued for its long, fragrant clusters of purple to violet flowers that bloom in spring. Native to Japan, it is a vigorous climber that twines clockwise around supports and can grow to impressive lengths, often reaching into tree canopies. Its compound leaves typically have 13–19 leaflets, and the plant can live for many decades once established. Japanese wisteria thrives in sunny locations but can tolerate some shade and adapts to a variety of soils, making it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes where its showy blossoms are highly prized.

Although introduced widely as an ornamental, Japanese wisteria has become invasive in several regions outside its native range, particularly in parts of the continental United States. Its ability to spread both by seed and vegetative growth allows it to form dense thickets and climb aggressively into tree canopies, where its heavy vines can girdle and topple mature trees. This smothering growth habit can displace native vegetation and alter natural habitats. However, to date, Japanese wisteria has not been documented as naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands. While it remains a popular ornamental in some areas, its invasive tendencies elsewhere highlight the need for caution when considering planting it in sensitive environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized and invasive outside native range
  
• Forms dense, ecosystem-altering thickets
  
• Congeneric species are invasive
  
• Toxic to humans and animals
  
• Tolerates shade
  
• Climbing, smothering growth habit
  
• Nitrogen-fixing capability
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via stolons
  
• Intentionally propagated as an ornamental
  
• Seeds dispersed by water
  
• Resprouts after damage

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized in tropical climates
  
• Not an agricultural weed
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Long juvenile period (slow to mature)
  
• Seeds not adapted for wind dispersal
  
• Seeds not dispersed by birds or animals
  
• Susceptible to herbicide control