The Pea Family 1 - large, woody plants
What are they?
Most species are given away as members of the Pea Family by their distinctively shaped flowers, usually carried in large bunches. However, the Silktree is characterized by its petalless pink pompoms which are typical of a subfamily of woody plants that are sometimes split from the Peas as a separate family.
Where are they found?
The woody trees and shrubs in this large family are mostly not native to our region and largely occur either as alien invasives or where odd plants have escaped from gardens or self-sown from nearby planted specimens. As such, they may be found anywhere, but mostly close to human habitation or along roadsides.
Identification
These species are mostly easily identified by their leaves and flowers.
Silktree Albizia julibrissin
(Mimosa, Pink Siris) A common garden shade tree which freely sets copious amounts of seed. Cold winters probably help to prevent this tree from becoming an alien invasive. Flowers June to September.
 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioicus
Native to North America but introduced in New Jersey. Currently rare in Cape May County but may be found as a relic of cultivation on sites of former gardens. Flowers May to June. Can grow to a medium to large tree with distinctive, doubly pinnate leaves.
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos
Possibly some native trees in scrubby, wooded areas but also grown as an ornamental. Uncommon in the wider countryside and mostly seen as a planted street tree. Flowers May to June. Wild plants have long, vicious thorns, but most cultivated forms are thornless. Ripening pods get large and are usually curled into twisted shapes. Leaves usually once-pinnate, but may also be twice-pinnate. Bark much smoother than Black Locust. Winter twigs appear budless.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
and hang overwinter |
|
|
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Native further west in North America, this species is widely planted for its drought tolerance in dry, sandy soils throughout the World. Sadly, this has enabled it to become an invasive alien in many areas, though in Cape May it doesn't seem to have become a problem. Widespread in hedgerows and secondary scrub. Flowers May to June. Vigorous young growths are well armed with thorns - paired at each node. twigs of older growth are thornless. Bark is deeply cracked and fissured.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
vigorous growth |
older growth |
|
Bristly Locust Robinia hispida
Though native to North America, this species almost certainly only occurs in Cape May as an introduction or garden escape. Occasional plants may be found where they have spread from neighboring properties or are on the site of a former homestead. Flowers May to June. Differs from all similar-looking woody plants by the bristly growths on its young twigs. Unlike Black Locust, this species grows as a suckering shrub rather than a tree and can spread to form quite extensive colonies of bushy growth.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis
Though native to the USA, this species only occurs as a relic of cultivation in our region. Flowers April. Spectacular and easily-recognized when the brilliant carmine-pink flowers erupt from the bare stems, before the leaves emerge.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens
Though native to the USA, this species only occurs as a garden escape in New Jersey. It may be found on the edges of woods, roadsides and hedgelines in a few places, often in relatively damp soil. Flowers May, later than the Asian species. Easily told from the other wisterias by its hairy leaves and the glandular hairs on its flower bases.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
with glandular hairs |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Japanese Wisteria Wisteria floribunda
Native to Eastern Asia. A common, widespread and highly invasive plant which often swamps large areas of trees and shrubs with its rapidly-growing branches. Japanese Wisteria stems twine clockwise as they grow and the leaves typically have 11-19 leaflets. Flowers April to May.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
clockwise |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis
Native to Eastern Asia. Fairly common as an escape from cultivation and climbing plants can cover large areas of mature trees on the edges of woodland in suburban areas. Chinese Wisteria stems twine counter-clockwise as they grow and the leaves typically have 7-13 leaflets. Flowers April to May.
| |
 |
 |
 |
| |
counter-clockwise |
|
|
Kudzu Vine Pueraria montana
One of the most damaging alien invasives in North America, Kudzu Vine is originally from Asia and has become almost out of control in the south-eastern United States. There are no published records of the species for Cape May but it is currently known at two locations in the county. Flowers August to September.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|