American Wisteria

Wisteria frutescens

Native Vine
Non-Invasive Alternative

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

seeds / seed pods

Preparation

not applicable: do not eat the seeds or seed pods; no amount or preparation makes them safe

Hazard type

gastrointestinal poisoning (nausea, frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, diarrhea) from eating 1 or 2 seed pods

Hazard route

ingestion of seeds or seed pods

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

NC State Extension states directly, for this exact species: ingestion of any part 'can cause discomfort' via saponins and canavanine, with 'nausea, frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and diarrhea' resulting from eating just 1-2 seed pods: and explicitly lists the plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. ASPCA's whole-genus "Wisteria spp." page independently agrees (toxic to dogs/cats/horses, via lectin and wisterin glycoside). Two independent sources, one of them species-specific, is about as solid as sourcing gets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 5a-9b (NC State Extension).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 15-40 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide (NC State Extension).
Family: Fabaceae (legume/pea family)
Where it comes from: Eastern United States from Virginia to Illinois, south to Florida and Texas; common on North Carolina's coastal plain, rare in the Piedmont (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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