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Wisteria Seed Pods – Are They Edible? Can I Plant the Pods?

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Wisteria is a beautiful flowering plant. When you see this plant, you might be attracted by its beautiful purple flowers.

Moreover, one thing you must notice is this plant’s dangling pods. These Seed pods grow so fast that you might see them after a couple of weeks when the vine has finished blooming.

So, you might be confused about whether these seed pods are edible or not. Besides, these pods contain Wisteria seeds.

So, you might also want to know whether you can plant the pods or not. Well, you have to know details about this plant to know their growing requirements. Moreover, you can eat the seed pods if they don’t cause poisoning.

What are wisteria seed pods?

Wisteria seed pods are hanging long pods that contain seeds. Generally, like most flowering plants, Wisteria also reproduces by its seeds. So, their seeds are safely stored in the pods. Generally, these pods look like large beans or pea pods.

Wisteria has an interesting way of reproducing. When the flowers are faded away, they will become long pods that hold the seeds.

These seeds will blow-up when they are dried out. Being blowed up, the pods will fall into the ground and grow into a new plant. So, these seed pods have a great role in reproducing Wisteria plants.

Generally, the seed pods dry out in the late autumn. So, they will blow up and take part in reproducing in this season. But you will see green beans or snow peas hanging from your Wisteria plant in the late summer or early fall.

These seeds are generally green in their early stage. But turn brown when they become dry. Besides, these seeds look a little different in the different areas of the world.

Do all wisteria have seed pods?

No, all Wisteria don’t have seed pods. Generally, Chinese Wisteria doesn’t produce seed pods. These Wisteria don’t require pods to hold the seeds.

Because Chinese Wisteria can reproduce by rooting at each node via stolon’s. Even they can produce new tips if you cut back or trim the plant.

Generally, American and Asian Wisteria produce seed pods. Though the pods might not look alike. American Wisteria seed pods are smooth but Asian ones are velvety. Besides, Japanese Wisteria produces clusters of pods. So, all Wisteria seed pods don’t look the same.

So, if you want to identify the Wisteria plant by its pods only, you can’t. Because some of the Wisteria even don’t produce seed pods. Chinese Wisteria is one of the most common examples. So, all Wisteria don’t have seed pods.

Wisteria Seed Pods – Are they edible?

Wisteria seed pods are not edible. These pods are poisonous to eat. Generally, Wisteria seed pods look like bean pods but these pods are dangerous for humans and animals. Even these seed pods are the most poisonous part of the plant. So, never eat these pods and don’t feed animals.

Generally, Wisteria seed pods look like many other bean pods that are edible. So, you might think that these pods are also edible. But Wisteria seed pods are one of the toxic seed pods.

Though Wisteria plant is in the same Fabaceae family or Legume family of vegetables. But these plant’s seed pods are not edible. Some people might eat Wisteria flowers in moderation. But the seed pods have toxic elements.

Wisteria seed pods contain lectin and glycoside. These two elements are so toxic that they can lead to fatalities. The whole plant might contain these two products. But the seed pods contain these two toxic elements in the highest amount.

Wisteria seed pods are not safe to eat. So, if you eat these seed pods, you might face immediate or long-term health issues.

Are wisteria pods poisonous?

Yes, Wisteria pods are highly poisonous. Even eating these pods might lead you to fatalities. Wisteria seed pods might look like other vegetables. But these seeds are so toxic that you can’t eat them.

Even Wisteria pods are poisonous to dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and other animals. These animals might eat these pods without knowing the danger. So, keep your pet animals out of these pods.

Generally, like many other plants, Wisteria plants have two toxic elements: lectin and glycoside. But Wisteria seed pods contain so much amount of these toxic elements that these seeds become poisonous.

Wisteria seed pods are poisonous for both humans and animals. So, you should remove these pods from your pet animals and kids. Otherwise, they might mistake these pods for vegetables.

What happens when you eat wisteria pod?

You might have already known that Wisteria pods are toxic. So, if you eat these pods, you will face problems. But you have to know how dangerous these pods can be if you eat them. So, let’s see what happens when you eat Wisteria pods.

Digestive problems:

First of all, you will face digestive problems in your stomach if you eat Wisteria pods. Because these pods contain toxic elements that are not suitable for your stomach or digestive system. Even, you might feel sick for up to 2 to 3 days.

Instant effect:

After eating Wisteria pods, you can face some instant problems. For example, these pods will make you feel a burning sensation in your mouth and discomfort. It might create irritation to your lips, mouth, tongue, and throat.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and pain:

You might not have to face these problems instantly after eating Wisteria pods, but these pods will lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

These problems might start from digestive problems. Because the toxic elements will lead to these problems one by one and might last for 2 days.

Other problems:

Different types of problems might arise according to your immune system if you eat Wisteria pods. Even the above symptoms might last more than 2 days and make you feel sick.

The effect of toxicity can be less or more for different persons. So, it will be wise to avoid Wisteria pods.

Can I plant wisteria pods?

Yes, you can plant Wisteria pods. Generally, Wisteria pods are seed-containing pods that play a great role in Wisteria reproducing. These pods blow up and fall down the ground. Then another Wisteria plant will be grown from the pod.

So, you can plant Wisteria pods in the same process. Even you can grow them both outside and inside the house. You have to collect the pods at the right time for growing the Wisteria plant from them.

Moreover, when it comes to planting Wisteria pods, you have to be pretty careful. Because these pods are poisonous. So, you have to keep the pods at a safe distance from kids and animals. Then you have to plant the pods to grow Wisteria from them.

How to propagate wisteria from seed pod?

Propagating the Wisteria plant is not that difficult. But when you want to plant it from a seed pod, you have to follow a process. So, let’s see how you can propagate Wisteria from the seed pod.

Collect pods:

First, collect the pods when they are not opened. Collect Wisteria pods in the autumn when they are dried out and brown.

Store them:

After collecting the pods, store them in a paper bag or box so that the seeds are collected in the bag when the pods are opened.

Plant in fall:

Store the seeds in a cool and dry place. You plant the seeds in the fall season.

Water the soil regularly:

Water the soil regularly and wait for 10 to 30 days. When you see two leaves are come out of the soil, you can transplant the plant in a spacious pot or area.

Do wisteria seed pods blow up?

Yes, Wisteria seed pods blow up. These pods look like green bead pods at their early stage. But eventually, they will turn brown and become brittle. These pods contain seeds and are seem to blow up so that the seeds can fall into the ground.

Generally, when the seed pods become brown and brittle, they will blow up and fall into the ground. Then the seeds will grow plants from the soil.

If the seed pods will not blow up, the seed will not come out easily. So, exploding is a part of the reproductive system of the Wisteria plant.

If you see any Wisteria seed pod has opened, then it’s the time for reproducing the plant and the seed pods are ready to take part in it.

Final Thoughts

Wisteria seed pods are not edible at all. They contain toxic ingredients that are poisonous to humans and other animals. So, you should never eat these seed pods. But you can plant Wisteria seed pods to reproduce or propagate the Wisteria plant. Because these pods contain Wisteria seed.

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