As March closes and April yawns to life, so do the fragrant blooms of wisteria plants around Richmond and in the greater south.

A sign of spring...

The twining perennial plant is known for its fast-growing vines and cascading purple flowers — like something out of a storybook forest. It's most often seen climbing up backyard fences, draping across buildings, or clinging to trees or power lines alongside streets and highways.

But, is it supposed to be?

Odds are, the whimsical blooms you're seeing right now are invasive species. Bummer, right? It can be tricky to identify native vs. non-native wisteria, but timing can be one of the first indicators.

Invasive wisteria can grow around host trees, winding tightly and constricting the tree of life. | Photo by RICtoday

"If you’re in the American South and spot blooming wisteria along highways or neighborhood streets in March or April, you’re almost certainly looking at the invasive, non-native species," according to The Plant Native.

Native American wisteria typically blooms in late spring or early summer, around June and July.

Be the botanist

Once you're ready to track down some wisteria and put your species-identification skills to the test, iNaturalist created an online map that actively records local sightings. Since 2016, there have been 100+ reports of wisteria in Richmond, so you have plenty of leads to get started.

iNaturalist allows users to submit plant sightings for a "community-census" identification. This Maymont bloom is still waiting an official ID, but it's suggested to be invasive. | Screenshot via iNaturalist