2008 Wistaria Festival in Sierra Madre, California

The Wistaria Committee of Sierra Madre, California has announced that tours of the blooming plant purported to be the world's largest, the famed Sierra Madre wistaria vine, have been scheduled for March 30, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the annual Wistaria Festival. The massive vine bears delicately scented lavender blooms, the color we most often associate with wistaria (also spelled, "wisteria"). But as the photo shows, wistaria also comes in white, in the case of the variety, "silky."

Visitors are invited to stroll beneath the arbor supporting the branches of the 112-year-old vine, displaying more than a million blossoms and estimated to weigh at least 250 tons. That must be one sturdy garden arbor! When I hear about such a large vine, I can't help but think of the play, Little Shop of Horrors! But I hope my remark doesn't scare away any would-be visitors: I'm sure they feed the wistaria vine prior to admitting the general public....

Related resource: Wisteria Plants

_{Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden}