The Fragrant Strangler

Nikon D100, 28-80mm

This is wisteria. I'd never seen it until I moved to the south; it's everywhere in the south. It's a vine that grows up and around other trees and plants or buildings, phone poles, etc.. For a couple of weeks in spring, it produces these huge grape-like clusters of perfumed flowers, turning the edges of forests light-purple. If it wasn't for the pretty flowers, though, it'd be just another fast-growing southern vine, taking over everything it can sink its tendrils into.

Here's the infestation where I took the above picture.

Nikon D100, 28-80mm