Celastrus scandens

American bittersweet

Photograph(s) by*: PLANTS TGB, UWI DK

Characteristics

Height: 3-35'
Spread: 6-20'
Flowers: May-Jun.; greenish
Fruit: Sept.-Dec.; orange and red; capsule
Fall color: yellow

Conditions *

Light:
Moisture: Dry Moist
Soil pH: 6.1-7.5
Soil type: Clay Loamy Sandy

Habitat

roadsides, woods edge, fence rows, old pastures, hedges, rocky streams, bluffs, rocky slopes, dunes, sandy oak woods

Native to

Region: Coastal Piedmont Mountain *
States: MD DE NY PA WV VA

Wildlife

*

Notes

distinguished from nonnative invasive Oriental bittersweet by flowers/fruits in clusters at ends of twigs

 Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/plant/237.htm
Last updated: 1 October 2004