Invasive Bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
Invasive bittersweet is a large, woody vine, originally from Asia - primarily China and Japan. At peak maturity, it can reach heights of 60 feet with a stem more than four inches wide. With yellow capsules that eventually reveal orange berries, it is commonly used as a decoration during the holidays. Unfortunately, this is also how it spreads. Berries are consumed by birds and wildlife and in turn, spread beyond its original planting (or display) location. 

Bittersweet can easily climb shrubs and trees, preventing their access to sunlight and sometimes, even girdling them. This climbing also makes the affected trees susceptible to additional damage during storms, especially in the winter. 

There is a native alternative to invasive bittersweet - American bittersweet (C. scandens). It is quite difficult to tell the two vines from one another before maturity. However, after maturity, orange capsules and seeds clustered at the end of the stem rather than all along it, distinguish American bittersweet from the invasive variety. 
Photo credits: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, UConn, Bugwood.org | Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org 
Learn More about Invasive Bittersweet
Bittersweet Facts
  • ​Spread through berries getting consumed by birds and other wildlife. Seeds are dropped in nearby natural areas. (​If using the berries for holiday decorations, display them indoors and discard in the trash.)
  • Rapidly growing vine, crowds out trees/shrubs and prevents access to light and other resources. 
  • Invasive bittersweet and American bittersweet have the ability to hybridize. This makes identification even more difficult. 
Management Options
  • Mechanical cutting alone is ineffective - new sprouts will likely appear and can produce even more plants!
  • Very young seedlings can be hand-pulled if entire root system can be removed. 
  • Again, if entire root system can be removed, digging bittersweet is an option. 
  • Herbicide application: Applying a liquid herbicide with an active ingredient of glyphosate or triclopyr to a recently cut stump is highly effective. Stem injections are an additional option.