With NYC being named one of the world’s top destinations for cherry blossoms, it’s certainly easy to get wrapped up in those pretty pink petals–but cherry blossoms aren’t the only florals that make their appearance in NYC each spring!
The season’s lesser known (but just as beautiful) bloom is wisteria! And each year these beautifully fragrant flowers bloom all around the city–here’s everything you need to know about wisteria season in NYC.
What is wisteria?
Wisteria is a highly floriferous (meaning it produces numerous blooms) woody vine that blooms mid-spring. If given the proper support, wisteria can grow ten feet or more in one year, reaching upwards of 28 feet. Therefore, it can easily overwhelm nearby plants and structures.
What does wisteria look like?
Wisteria looks like cascading blue, lavender, or white flowers–depending on the plant’s variety–often seen draped over pergolas and fences or climbing up the sides of buildings. Wisteria trees are abundant in highly fragrant flowers.
Is wisteria invasive?
While wisteria can be invasive if left to its own devices, none of the three species of wisteria trees in New York–Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria) or the Southeastern US native Wisteria frutescens–are considered invasive species here.
When does wisteria bloom in NYC?
Like all flowers, wisteria’s bloom is dependent on the weather. In NYC, though, wisteria typically starts to bloom late April into May.
Where can I find wisteria in NYC?
Unfortunately there aren’t any maps that track wisteria blooming in NYC–unlike this one which tracks cherry blossoms blooming around Central Park–but if you’re open to a bit of frolicking you’re likely to spot some wisteria blooming in the following places:
East Village
In the East Village you can typically find wisteria adorning the various townhouses dotted throughout the neighborhood. The brownstone located at 35 Stuyvesant is the most well known for being draped with the purple petals each spring, though the display definitely varies year over year.
West Village
The West Village is also known for wisteria vines climbing up the various brownstones.
Chelsea
West 22nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues typically has some lovely displays of wisteria.
Upper West Side
Possibly one of the most picturesque displays of wisteria in NYC is on the Upper West Side, where the blooms surround townhouse windows. The neighborhood’s most reliable wisteria location is 33 West 74th Street. West 81st Street is also a reliable street to spot wisteria blooms.
Upper East Side
Similar to on the west side, wisteria loves to beautify the brownstones on the east side.
Central Park
- Wisteria Pergola at the Mall around 70th St. – this long wooden trellis is covered in wisteria vines that bloom in the spring, shading rows of benches beneath–it’s almost like a full wisteria garden in NYC!
- Conservatory Garden at East 104th St.
Here are some gorgeous photos of wisteria blooming around NYC in past years.