A twining woody vine that will grow vertically or sprawl horizontally over bushes and fences. Hanging clusters of orange-red fruit split open to show bright red-orange seed coats. Plants are male or female. Both sexes are needed for fruit set. Note: Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is very similar and is a highly invasive vine. The native bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), has flowers and fruits in terminal clusters, while the non-native bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), has flowers/fruits in axillary clusters along the vines. Use care in acquiring bittersweet plants.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Plant Type: Vines
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color:
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data


Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
to
20
feet
Spread:
to
feet
Size
Height: to
20
feet
Spread: to
feet
Size
Height: to
20
feet
Spread: to
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Grow on phone poles or use to cover trellis or walls. Do not plant near trees as its twining habit may constrict and kill other plants.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Fruits best in full sun; adapts to most soil types but may get too aggressive in rich soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower, Fresh Cut Flower, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.