Oriental Bittersweet is native to eastern China, Korea and Japan and was introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1800s. For decades, it was planted as an ornamental, for erosion control along highways and for wildlife food and habitat.
In autumn, berry-laden vines and wreaths are commonly seen for sale as decorative floral arrangements. The genus Celastrus is from the ancient Greek kelastros (the name of a tree) and orbiculatus meaning round. Please do not spread this invasive, hand removal methods are best by way of pulling up or digging up the root and disposing in a trash bag.
Please remove this plant before it fruits in late autumn.
Don’t mistake the invasive Oriental Bittersweet for the native American Bittersweet!