Bittersweet Celastrus scandens

American bittersweet is a rapidly growing twining vine in the Celastraceae (bittersweet) family, native to the southeast. It is best known for its bright red berries and yellow leaves in the fall.  and the fruit is also used for dried arrangements.  

The best fruit display will occur in the full sun though it grows in partial shade. It prefers moist well-drained slightly alkaline sandy soil though it will grow in a wide variety of soils as long as they are not overly wet. Prune the vines back in the early spring to maintain a more compact form. The stems twine around structures or trees and because they are woody they can strangle live supports like trees but they do not often kill their support. If the vine is growing without anything to climb, it will sprawl along the ground appearing more shrublike.

These plants are primarily dioecious (separate male and female plants), although some have a few perfect flowers. Female plants need a male pollinator to produce the attractive fruit that is the signature of this vine. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find plants that are labeled as male or female as is done often with holly plants. Generally, one male plant is needed for six to nine female plants. 

Birds are fond of showy red fruits and they provide a food source through the winter as well as attractive interest in the landscape. The leaves turn an attractive yellow color in the fall.  The cut stems with fruits dry beautifully and make lovely arrangements. Plant this large vine along woodland edges, in meadows or use it as a screen giving it a sturdy trellis to climb.

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

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can be weedy, though it is not as problematic as C. orbiculatus.