Wisteria Sinensis or Chinese Wisteria produces one of the most enticing blooms. The blossoms, while themselves are edible, are produced from a vine which is toxic in its entirety. The stems, pods, leaves and seeds contain a glycoside which is toxic if ingested and may cause severe nausea and stomach pains. The Chinese Wisteria was brought to the United States for horticultural purposes in 1816, and has since naturalized and can live for over 100 years. It is considered by many to be a weed due to its vigorous growth without need of fertilizer and its ability to choke out supporting trees and shrubs. Seeming to thrive with greater intensity under abuse and aggressive pruning, the duality of the vine is the stuff of science fiction novels. Frank Reddy of the Gwinnett Daily Post attempted battle with his backyard invader… “What may have started decades ago as a flowering addition to backyard landscaping has grown into a writhing, hardy, many-tentacled creature of the night.” A gentle reminder that beauty can disguise manifestations of disturbing truths.
The Duality of the Fragrant Bloom © Yvonne Cornell, 2013
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