Introduced into the U.S. in the 1860s as an ornamental plant, oriental bittersweet is often associated with old homesites, from which it has escaped into surrounding natural areas. Bitter sweet vines rapidly spread and can cover fences, bushes, and trees. At farmers markets, oriental bittersweet is sometimes seen in holiday decorations or wreaths that may spread seed when it falls off the wreath outside. Most likely it is orbiculatus. Oriental bittersweet reproduces by seed and vegetatively by sprouting from an extensive root system. Oriental bittersweet was introduced in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant. If you like the look of vines with berries in your arrangements, you do have options. Unknowingly, the decorator has just become an “accessory” to the spread of this prolific and invasive plant. Description. Oriental bittersweet has since spread throughout the temperate eastern US and Canada. If you see it for sale at a farmers market or other location, just say no and gently alert … Read on for information about killing oriental bittersweet. Date of U.S. Introduction: 1860s . Oriental bittersweet is still widely planted and maintained as an ornamental vine, further promoting its spread. Its conspicuous fruit is spread primarily by birds and persists from late summer through winter. Trees and other plants can be choked by climbing bittersweet. Why is it invasive? According to Michigan State University Extension, Oriental bittersweet is a relative to our native bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and has several closely linked characteristics. Description. Native To: Eastern Asia . In the mid-1900s, many people promoted the use of Oriental bittersweet for its hardiness and showy fruit which contributed to its popularity as an ornamental vine. The seeds remain in the bird's stomach for several weeks, which leads to the spreading of oriental bittersweet far away from its original location. So if you are fit and would like to join the eradication efforts, or report a siting of Oriental Bittersweet, call 507-457-6574 or email weeds@co.houston.mn.us to receive more information. American bittersweet is a climbing vine that twines around its support. However, it escaped cultivation and spread into wild areas where it crowds out native trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is an invasive non-native vine that can kill or damage trees and shrubs. Introduced into the U.S. in the 1860s as an ornamental plant, oriental bittersweet is often associated with old homesites, from which it has escaped into surrounding natural areas. Oriental bittersweet produces an abundance of berries. For fruit, American bittersweet needs both male and female vines and should be should be sited in full sun and pruned in early spring. Oriental bittersweet is considered a noxious weed in Minnesota. Means of Introduction: Introduced as an ornamental and for erosion control . Its attractive feature is its autumn fruit, a yellow-orange three-lobed capsule with showy orange-red seeds. Oriental bittersweet has since spread throughout the temperate eastern US and Canada. Birds eat the berries and spread the invasive plant further through their droppings. Oriental Bittersweet Information. Oriental bittersweet, Asiatic bittersweet, round-leaved bittersweet, Oriental staff vine, climbing spindle berry. Oriental bittersweet plants are vines that grow up to 60 feet long and can get four inches in diameter. It was spread by both people who favored it for holiday decorations and animals who eat the berries. Native To: Eastern Asia . 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