ASIATIC BITTERSWEET
(Celastrus orbiculatus)

Name and Family

Asiatic Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus, is a member of the staff-tree or bittersweet family (Celastraceae).

History

Coming soon.

Identification Guide

Here are some key features that may help to positively identify Asiatic bittersweet:

  • Leaves are alternately arranged, roundish, with finely toothed edges
  • Flowers are greenish-yellow, with 5 petals, and grow in clusters along the stem in leaf axils (where the leaf meets the stem)
  • Female plants produce bright red fruit with orange bracts (outer leaves)
  • Vine can grow up to 18m on tall trees
  • Extremely shade tolerant
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous

What it does in the ecosystem

Asiatic bittersweet is a deciduous, woody vine. It can be found growing in woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows – essentially anywhere except in wet areas. This species’ generalist approach means that Oriental Bittersweet has an increased probability of finding suitable habitat to establish and invade.

Management

Coming soon.

Map

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A before/after shot of oriental bittersweet management
Oriental Bittersweet immature fruit
Oriental Bittersweet branches
Oriental Bittersweet mature fruit with orange bracts

References

Coming soon.