About the Scarlet Wisteria Tree

Appearance

• Scarlet wisteria grows to a height of up to 15 feet, producing gray or reddish-brown bark and alternate, compound leaves that may be up to 7 inches long. The plant produces clusters of 1/2-inch to 1-inch-long, pea-like flowers that are a rich shade of reddish-orange or scarlet. Scarlet wisteria produces 3 to 4-inch-long winged seed pods that contain three to nine seeds per pod.

Invasiveness

• Scarlet wisteria is highly invasive, disrupting native plant habitats and causing river bank erosion and flooding. The fast-growing plant forms dense strands in wet areas, making it difficult for other plants to grow. The plant cuts off access to rivers for humans and animals. Scarlet wisteria produces thousands of seeds per year, dispersing seeds into streams and rivers. Seeds germinate readily and remain viable in the soil for several years. Even in the winter, seed pods on the plant may remain viable.

Control

• It is wiser to prevent the growth of scarlet wisteria than to try to control it. Preventative layers of mulch can help to suppress seedlings in the home garden. Cut larger plants mechanically, and pull up young seedlings by hand or with a tool such as a weed wrench. Mowing can help to remove young, tender plants. If possible, remove scarlet wisteria before the plant has set seed, as seeds may disperse in the wind and germinate elsewhere. At time of publication, no biological agents have yet been made available to control the plant.

Warning

• All parts of the scarlet wisteria plant are toxic if ingested. According to North Carolina State University, the seeds of scarlet wisteria are especially toxic due to a high concentration of saponic glycosides. If seeds are ingested, poisoning symptoms such as nausea, weakness, respiratory failure, abdominal pain, depression and diarrhea may occur. Respiratory failure and other symptoms may lead to death in some instances. Exercise caution if attempting to control scarlet wisteria with chemical methods, and follow all instructions carefully.