Wisteria

Scientific name: Wisteria spp.
Abundance: common
What: flowers
How: raw
Where: landscaping, sunny borders
When: spring
Nutritional Value: unknown
Dangers: only the flowers are edible, everything else is TOXIC!


Identifying Photos

Wisteria vine.
Wisteria

Wisteria flowers.
Wisteria

Wisteria flowers closeup.
Wisteria


Distribution

North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.
map of Wisteria distribution in North America

Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.
map of Wisteria distribution in Texas


The fragrant flowers of wisteria make a wonderful addition to salads or just nibbled as a raw snack. Long ago they were used to flavor wines, but I haven't had a chance to try that. Note that all other parts of the plant (leaves, stem, seeds etc…) are very toxic and must not be consumed!