This is a view of some of the early blooms of wisteria overhanging the pergola's ceiling in NYC's Central Park. There are several wisteria pergolas in Central Park; this one is located on the east side near 72nd Street.

Wisteria grows on woody vines and is a favorite choice for garden designers for its romantic look while in bloom. Unfortunately, wisteria blooms for an extremely short period of time in May. The hanging lavender flowers are delicate in structure. They are in full bloom for just 5-7 days before they begin to die off. For the rest of the year, they are full green leaves living on curling vines.

Did you know . . . that wisteria was named in 1818 for Caspar Wistar of the University of Pennsylvania? The naming of the flowering vine was in honor of his contributions to science.

The most famous wisteria in the United States is located in Sierra Madre, California. The famous Sierra Madre vine was planted by William and Alice Brugman.

According to a letter from the Brugman's daughter, Emily Brugman Childs, the baby vine was originally purchased from the Wilson Nursery in Monrovia in a gallon can for $ .75 in 1894.

The famed vine is the Chinese lavender variety. It is actually a member of the pea family. Oddly, its seeds look like dried beans!

Did you know . . . wisteria vines climb by twining their stems either clockwise or counter-clockwise round any available support. They can climb as high as 20 m above ground and spread out 10 m laterally.