A symbol of long life and love, the Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and W. floribunda) are vines that can twine up to 60 feet above ground, and live for over a thousand years old.
These plants also have been symbolism of ‘having the heart to endure’, as the dropping blooms are symbolic of sorrow in some cultures, with the longevity of Wisteria being a testimony of hope.
In the Victorian age and language of flowers, wisteria gave a warning of a clinging to love that if brought to an obsessive level can strangle like a vine.
In Feng Shui, the blossoms tapered appearance and graceful falling to the ground is a symbol of bowing down in honor and respect.
These flowers hang like bunches of grapes and emit a grape-like fragrance!
The two most common Wisterias are W. floribunda (Japanese Wisteria), and W. sinensis (Chinese Wisteria), and one way to tell them apart is whether the stems twine clockwise (W.floribunda) or counterclockwise (W. sinensis). Japanese Wisteria typically has longer flower clusters (up to about 3 feet vs. 1 foot for Chinese Wisteria).
As Wisteria vines can grow to be very large, they have also been used traditionally for rope & sandal making, as well as making interesting objects like walking sticks. The leaves and bark have also been used for preparing natural dyes in green and yellow.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Wisteria sinensis has been used for treating inflammatory conditions, promoting blood circulation, and easing joint pain; while in Japan, Wisteria floribunda extracts were sometimes employed to address gastrointestinal discomfort and skin ailments. Both species’ seeds and pods, however, are recognized as toxic and were handled carefully in traditional contexts.
Leaves and flowers were occasionally used topically in poultices for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Amazingly, despite their toxicity, culinary use of the flowers exists, but only after cautious preparation and detoxification.
A flower essence is prepared from Wisteria for opening female sexuality & enjoyment.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Of Long Life & Love
