Breathtaking Photos of Wisteria That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in a Fairy Tale

By Melanie Aman Updated: January 26, 2018

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There’s something special about wisteria, and we love how just looking at beautiful wisteria pictures can instantly calm us down. It could be the pale violet hue — which is associated with the cosmos and infinite energy — that immediately evens our breathing and brings a smile to our faces. How can you be stressed, angry, or anxious while looking at gorgeous wisteria vines wrapped around old buildings or hanging peacefully from a wooden trellis?

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In the scorching summer months, when it’s just unbearable to be outside for more then 15 minutes, there’s nothing more cooling than just imagining taking a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden as you breathe in the light scents of wisteria wafting through the air. Close your eyes and just picture it. Can you feel the sun dance on your bare arms before the breeze comes and wicks away sweat? Can you hear the bees buzzing contentedly in the background and the soft chatter of others enjoying the weather?

And in the frigid winter, alluring wisteria is a reminder of all the wonderful things to come and a source of inspiration to make it through the cold in order to witness spring blossom. Even if you’re nestled under a pile of blankets and huddled in front of the fire, painfully aware of just how cold and barren it is outside, simply flicking through stunning photos of wisteria will transport you to a place where the heat embraces you straightaway.

So keep scrolling and take a trip to a garden of wisteria more charming than anything in your dreams.

Wisteria Pictures 5

Courtesy of the U.S. Botanic Garden
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United States Botanic Garden, Washington D.C.

If you're planning a trip to the nation's capitol this summer, take a break from all the history — because there's a lot of it — with a relaxing visit to the United States Botanic Garden (USBG). These stunning blooms at USBG are a sight to see in the spring and summer months when they bloom. In addition to the Wisteria frutescens (the light purple flowers) and the W. frutescens ‘Clara Mack’ (the creamy white blossoms), the USBG will also host a spectacular orchid exhibit beginning February 23. (We'll be right back — we need to go book our tickets to D.C.!)
Wisteria Pictures 2

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The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

“There is much to be said for cherry blossoms, but they seem so flighty. They are so quick to run off and leave you. And then just when your regrets are the strongest, the wisteria comes into bloom, and it blooms on into the summer. There is nothing quite like it. Even the color is somehow companionable and inviting.”
Wisteria Pictures 1

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Is wisteria poisonous?

Did you know wisteria belongs to the same plant family as peas? But unlike their sweet green neighbors, wisteria pods should not be eaten. A 1993 case report published in the Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology (now called Clinical Toxicology) recorded the story of a 50-year-old woman who ate 10 seeds from a wisteria pod because she believed they were edible beans. She later experienced headaches, gastroenteritis, vomiting of blood, dizziness, confusion, profuse sweating, and fainting. The woman also continued to complain about dizziness and feeling tired for five to seven days after she first ate the pods.
Wisteria Pictures 3

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Is wisteria poisonous for dogs?

As mentioned previously, eating wisteria pods is a big no-no, and it's also toxic for Fido, Mittens, and even Seabiscuit, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Lectin and wisterin glycoside are the main toxins, and they'll not only upset your furry friends' tummies but can also lead to far greater internal damage. Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, and depression are all signs that your dog, cat or horse might have accidentally ingested wisteria. If your pets are exhibiting any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to call your vet and schedule a consultation.
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Photo Credit: Tom Incrocci; Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden
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Missouri Botanical Garden

In sunny Missouri (sun is crucial for wisteria to flower), the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) is home to a beautiful array of wisteria. In the MBG's 14-acre Japanese garden, the wisteria bloom in harmony with the flowering cherry blossoms, azaleas, rhododendrons, lotus, and peonies.

Last year, the Japanese garden at MBG celebrated its 40th anniversary, and after all these years it's still thrilling visitors. A four-acre lake with four islands, traditional Japanese bridges, and lanterns that look like they were imported straight from Japan make the garden a relaxing, tranquil escape.

"A garden, be it Western or Japanese, is like speech; it is an expression with intention and design," Japanese architects Seike Kiyoshi and Japanese author Kudō Masanobu said.
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens 1

Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
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Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you can't get to D.C. for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, perhaps a trip to New York City might be more doable. You may visit for the iconic cherry blossoms, but you'll stay (or even come back) for the wisteria blooms, which put on a show at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) around the time spring hits its peak and begins to wind down. A stop at the BBG's Obscure Garden to witness buttery soft wisteria blossoms drape across the stone pergolas will be well worth your time.