Celastrus scandens
Common name: Bittersweet
The iconic woody vine of Illinois. It grows up to 30 feet in length either up a vertical surface, along the ground, or climbing on itself, forming these wonderful curly tornados. It is best known for its bright fruit on the ends of the stems on female plants. You’ll need one male for every three to five females to get good fruit set. The bright yellow fall color and orange/red fruit are spectacular in the yard or in arrangements. Unfortunately, an invasive look-alike has steadily moved into the area and is sometimes sold as the native in the market place. Please be aware, the non-native is very aggressive, has fruit up and down the stem, where the native has fruit only on the ends of its stems. We have had our plants and seed source genetically tested, and they are truly native.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Shrubs
Soil type
Dry Mesic, Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry), Moist Mesic
Light exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun / Part Shade
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Compacted/New Construction Soils, Road-side/Salt Tolerant
Habitat
Floodplain, Prairie Grasslands, Sandy Soils, Savannas
Growth form
Shrubby/Clump, Vining
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Green White
Fall color
Yellow Orange
Size
- Mature height
- 20 Feet
- Mature width
- 4 Feet
- Max height
- 30 Feet
- Max width
- 8 Feet
Additional information
Loved by birds