Oriental Bittersweet

Common Name: Oriental bittersweet
Scientific Name: Celastrus orbiculatus
Origin: Asia

Description

Oriental, or asiatic, bittersweet is a perennial, deciduous vine that can grow up to 60 ft. Its stems have dark brown, striated bark. The alternate leaves are elliptic to ovate, and spiral evenly around the stem. Axillary flowers bloom in May to early June yielding bright, reddish-orange fruit in the fall. Oriental bittersweet can be confused with american bittersweet, a native species, which has terminal inflorescence and orange capsules.

Habitat

Oriental bittersweet grows most profusely in the sun but can tolerate dense shade. It grows in disturbed woodlands, fields and roadsides.

Threat

This plant causes major damage to native plants through girdling. Mechanical damage of trees and other plants is also caused by additional weight to the branches.

Management

Individual vines can be pulled up by the roots and removed from the area by hand. The vines can also be cut by hand, and cut-stump treated with herbicides.

Regional Distribution

Locally Common

WNY PRISM Priority

Tier 3 – Containment

Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart

Pathways

Oriental bittersweet was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the mid 19th century.

Oriental bittersweet is a prohibited species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.

Native Alternatives

Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)

American groundnut (Apios americana)

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Virginia virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiara)