One of the recurring elements in the lore of the hit series Demon Slayer is the hysteria surrounding the wisteria flower. Its significance lies in its highly poisonous properties against demons.

It was first shown in Chapter 6 in the manga and Episode 4 in the anime. The Final Selection was held in the Fujikasane mountain, which fills with wisteria flowers. It goes from the foot and along its slope. Tanjiro noted there are a lot of these flowers in the venue. He even said that “they’re out of season.”

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Tanjiro gazes at the wisteria flowers before the Final Selection

The Ubuyashiki twins explain that the mountain contains demons. Demon slayers captured them and the flowers surrounding the mountain keep them.

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The twins explaining the presence of wisteria flowers in the Fujikasane mountain

Understanding the Wisteria Crest in Demon Slayer

After sustaining injuries from the Drum House encounter, the Kasugaigarasu advised the three demon slayers to rest and recover. The crow pointed out a house whose gate was marked with a large Wisteria crest. The crest showed a bough of the purple flower. The kanji for “fuji” is in the center of the icon.

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The trio stands at the gate with the wisteria crest

Hisa was the old lady who took care of them at the home. The crow then explains that she belonged to a family once rescued by the Demon Slayers. They then started taking care of demon slayers for free.

The Wisteria as a Symbol in Demon Slayer

The wisteria flower is known as “fuji” in Japanese. It is among the most culturally and historically significant flowers in their culture. The Japanese people regard it as a symbol for long life. Its trees can live for a very long time. Also, its flowers release a very sweet scent.

In Kimetsu no Yaiba, the flower represents life in a variety of ways. After their first near-death experience with the Drum Demon, the main trio rests in the house bearing the crest. 

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The wisteria crest used by the family who supports the Demon Slayer Corps

The trio then attacked the Natagumo mountain, the base of the Lower Moon 5. Afterward, Kakushis brought the survivors to the Butterfly Mansion to recover. Since the Kocho family owns it, it is fair to assume that the flower is also present in the place. Kanao Tsuyuri and their assistants Aoi, Sumi, and Kiyo also live there.

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The kakushi delivers Tanjiro to the Butterfly Mansion. See the purple bushes behind. Note that wisteria grows from trees.

The Insect Pillar Shinobu Kocho uses poison made from wisteria flowers. Therefore, it’s plausible for her to stay close to the flower. Either the mansion has it or is close to it. In both manga and anime, none of the flowers are shown. Wisteria flowers bloom once a year, in mid to late spring.

Why is the flower Poisonous to Demons

Before returning to Demon Slayer lore, know that wisteria parts are actually poisonous. The Japanese wisteria has seeds and pods containing a toxic substance. The poison, called wisterin, causes vomiting, dizziness, and stomach pains.

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Shinobu Kocho, is the only known user of wisteria as an anti-demon poison.

Only the Insect Pillar has used it as a poison against demons. The anime and the latest manga demonstrates this. Since Shinobu can’t behead demons, she poisons them instead.

The demons trapped in Fujikasane can not leave. However, they don’t die just from the presence of the flower. Perhaps touching the leaves or inhaling the pollen won’t kill them.

Also, the manga showed that extremely powerful demons resist wisteria. So far, Muzan and Douma showed this. Muzan also used the Upper Moon Two’s adaptability to poison. While not fatal, it still has some sort of effect on them.

Douma feeling the effects of wisteria poison from eating Shinobu.