Christie’s Blog

Early May 2024

The Wisteria Vine and Jacaranda Tree 

Which is which?

Wisteria flower

Jacaranda flower

As you drive along Patterson Ave, Rt. 288 or country roads  you may see the beautiful purple flower of the wisteria….Oops, I mean the Jacaranda tree.  They are not the same plant.

Wisteria is a lovely draping,, climbing vine.  It  is often used as a decorative, and hopefully controlled accent in gardens. If you see them wild along the side the road check to see if they use other plants as their climbing support.  The Jacaranda tree often confused with wisteria has an almost identical bloom, but stands on it’s own with a trunk supporting it.

Wisteria Vine

Jacaranda Tree

Jacaranda trees are said to have come from the East coast of Brazil. They are highly invasive (like the wisteria) and will grow out of rocks, in between buildings and in dry bad soil. It is known in wood shops as Brazilian rosewood and blue ebony.  Its ornamental wood is used for carvings, small decorative items, pianos, knife handles and cabinets. Carpenters also use it for “turning” wood.

I once heard a story that poachers hover from helicopters, then drop down next to these trees, only to saw them down and haul the wood away.  Whether or not that’s true, it certainly gives you a different perspective on the plant.

I wanted to get this blog to you all now while both the wisteria and jacaranda are blooming  but quickly fading.  This way you can be the  know-it-all in your car, who explains to anyone who may listen your new found fun fact!

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.