Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Celastrales>Celastraceae>Celastrus orbiculatus Thunberg

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) flowers

Oriental Bittersweet is an invasive and increasingly common high-climbing vine, introduced from Asia. A big problem in the Mountains of North Carolina, where it is outcompeting the native American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens).

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) flowers

The flowers are small and green.

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) leaves

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) leaves

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) flowers

Chapel Hill, NC 5/2/09.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) fruit

The bright orange-red fruits are quite ornamental -- the reason the vine was introduced. The fruits are eaten and seeds spread by birds.

Orange Co., NC 12/27/09.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) fruit

Orange Co., NC 12/27/09.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) fruit

The flowers and fruits of Oriental Bittersweet are in axillary cymes, while those of American Bittersweet are in terminal panicles.

Chapel Hill, NC 11/13/05.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

The alternate, deciduous leaves are nearly round, while those of American Bittersweet are narrower.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/20/03.

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) flowers

Chapel Hill, NC 5/6/06.

More information:
Exotic Pest Plants of Southeastern Forests
PCA Alien Plant Working Group
Wikipedia

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