Wisteria flowers

Wisteria floribunda, W. sinensis

flower

Mauve clusters with a sweet scent, fried as fritters like black locust blossoms.

Origin

China and Japan

Where to find it

On pergolas and in gardens; in Japan, wisteria festivals draw crowds, as at Ashikaga Flower Park.

Season (United States)

April to May

Preparation

Only the flowers, in small amounts: pods and seeds are toxic, and flowers eaten in quantity have made people ill.

Did you know?

A single wisteria can cover an entire facade and live more than a hundred years.