Plant Family: Celastraceae
Growth Form: A high-climbing, twining vine that grows on shrubs, trees, and fences.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, broadly obovate to nearly round, margins with rounded teeth.
Bark: Brown to reddish brown, the stems up to 4 cm or more in diameter.
Flowers: Small, greenish yellow, with 5 petals, in short clusters in the leaf axils.
Fruits: Orange, globular capsules that split open to reveal a bright red aril that covers the seeds.
Habitat: Woodland borders, thickets, fencerows, roadsides, disturbed ground.
Range: The native range is East Asia; it was first introduced in the 19th century as an ornamental and is now widespread over most of the eastern United States. It is common in southern New England, but uncommon or absent to the north.
Similar Species: The native vine American Bittersweet has elliptic leaves, and the flowers and fruits are in terminal clusters. The two species are known to hybridize.
Comments: Asiatic Bittersweet is listed as invasive in all New England states. The ability of Asiatic Bittersweet to hybridize with American Bittersweet may put the long-term viability of that species at risk.
