A little closer.

Bud close-up. Thanks for any suggestions!

Perhaps an Indigofera.

Hi purple!

I haven't been on this forum in years, but I'm glad I stopped by tonight.

What your mom has is millettia reticulata or taiwanensis, both of which are commonly referred to as evergreen wisteria (of which they are neither). I grew the former before its much "tamer" cousin came on the market a few years ago.

In over ten years neither has shown the slightest tendency to spread underground, but reticulata is extremely rampant and forceful, and has ripped away and damaged parts of my deck. For this reason I am going to try transplanting it next spring. Taiwanensis is identical in looks, but grows slower and can be kept under control. Both start blooming in mid-to-late summer for me and continue until frost, but never produce viable seed (probably a good thing).

Given the right support (such as a telephone pole!) it is, as you can tell, an extremely beautiful vine. Enjoy!

Nelson

Here is a link that might be useful: Millettia reticulata

Actually, "Milletia" reticulata is currently classified in the genus Callerya which is close to and may be merged with Wisteria in the future.

Here is a link that might be useful: Molecular systematics and biogeography of Wisteria

TYVM for the replies!

Nelson, I don't think she knows it's a vine, and that wasn't obvious to me when I was looking @ it yesterday. It's sprawling, may need more light. It's probably been there for about 3 yrs, I don't think she's added plants since then, she was busy tending my dad while he was sick.

I will see what we can do about getting it moved to one of the clothesline poles, or do you think it needs a tree to climb? She has a pecan tree that's limbed-up at the bottom...? The sun shines under it in the morning and afternoon. Would that be enough light?