Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a perennial, deciduous vine that can grow to 60 feet. Stems have dark brown, striated bark. Elliptic to ovate leaves are alternate and spiral evenly around the stem. Axillary flowers bloom in May to early June yielding bright, reddish-orange fruit in the fall. Invasive Bittersweet can be confused with American bittersweet, which has a terminal inflorescence and is native.
Distribution:
NOTE: If you receive a "sign in" message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Bittersweet submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Habitat:
Bittersweet grows most profusely in the sun but can tolerate dense shade. It grows in disturbed woodlands, fields, and roadsides.
Threats & Impacts:
This plant causes major damage to native plants by girdling. Mechanical damage of trees and other plants is also caused by additional weight to the branches.
Management Techniques:
Where practical, individual vines should be pulled up by the roots and removed from the area by hand. Vines can also be cut by hand, and cut stems can be selectively spot-treated with herbicides.
