Asian Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column.

Oriental bittersweet is an invasive, deciduous woody vine native to eastern Asia and in the Celastraceae (bittersweet) family. Found primarily along forest edges, roadsides, and meadows in full sun, the plant spreads by prolific vine growth and seeds that are spread by birds, mammals, and people. It was introduced from Southeast Asia around 1860 as an ornamental vine and quickly spread across the United States. It will readily hybridize with our native bittersweet, endangering the loss of this plant.

Oriental bittersweet can be difficult to manage. Cutting or pulling alone does not work because cutting stimulates the vine to re-sprout ten-fold, and any broken-off piece of root will re-grow. In the home landscape, cut the vines back to the ground and immediately treat the cut stem with herbicide. Follow the directions on the product label.

This species might be confused with the native climbing bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), but the native species has leaves that taper to a point at the tip. The tips of the leaves of the Asian bittersweet are rounded.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are generally round and broad (not pointed at the tip)
• Flowers are not showy, found in small clusters in the leaf axils with green narrow petals. 
• Fruits are lusters of red capsules with yellow casing.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant should not be used in the landscape. It is listed as an invasive species by the NC State Weed Specialist, North Carolina Forest Service, The NC Invasive Plant Council and the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. It is listed on the NC noxious weed list and is a noxious weed in other states.