Oriental Bittersweet (Gettysburg Battlefield Species Identification Guide)

Oriental Bittersweet

Celastrus orbiculatus

Appearance ²

It is a deciduous, climbing, wood vine that can grow up to 60 feet. THe alternate leaves are light green in color and finely toothed. The fruits are round and yellow, and they split into red berries in the winter months.

Introduction ²

It was first introduced in the 1860’s, but it came from Eastern Asia. It was initially introduced as an ornamental and to try to mitigate erosion.

Similar Native Species ²

The native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) has elliptical rather than rounded leaves. The flowers and fruit of the female plants occur in a single clump at the tips of the stems rather than spread along the stems. Male flowers of the native may occasionally occur along the stems but will not produce fruit. American bittersweet can also be distinguished from Oriental bittersweet by its leaves when they are just beginning to emerge from the bud. Oriental bittersweet leaves are folded flat along the midvein. American bittersweet leaves curl along the edges toward the midvein and look like a rolled up scroll in cross-section.

Bristly greenbriar (Smilax tamnoides) and other members of the Smilax genus have leaves with conspicuous parallel leaf veins, running the length of the leaf. They lack sharp teeth. Their fruits are dark purple and arranged in a ball. Many have thorns or bristles (at least at their bases) and attach with fine tendrils.

Impacts on Ecosystem ²

It grows as a vine and smothers plants and uproots trees due to its weight. When it grows into the canopy, it can block out sunlight for other natives.

Citations ²

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/bittersweet.shtml
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20027203.pdf
http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/OrientalBittersweetBCP.pdf

Sources and Credits

More Info

iNat Map

Category	Invasive Species

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