Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus

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

Asian bittersweet, an invasive species in North Carolina, is a woody, deciduous, twining vine that can rapidly reach 30 to 60 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. It is in the bittersweet family (Celastraceae) and was introduced from Southeast Asia around 1860 as an ornamental vine. The species epithet is Latin for “orbicular” and refers to the shape of the nectary in the flower.

Asian bittersweet is found primarily along forest edges, roadsides and meadows in full sun to partial shade and can be difficult to manage. Its seeds are spread by birds and mammals. Cutting or pulling the vine alone does not work because cutting stimulates it 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. 

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 Asian bittersweet are rounded. The invasive species will readily hybridize with our native bittersweet, endangering the genetic integrity of this plant.

This plant should not be used in the landscape. Please consider a less problematic plant; suggestions appear in the left sidebar. 

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 clusters of red capsules with yellow casing.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 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 a Class C noxious weed in North Carolina.