Organic Horticulture in the Mid-Atlantic/Chinese Bittersweet

Chinese Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is an invasive vine spread by birds which eat the fruits in fall and winter. The vine climbs by twining, and can grow quite rapidly over garden plants or other structures. The vines have a shallow root system and are thus easily pulled. Larger vines on trees and shrubs need to be cut off the tree rather than pulled off to avoid breaking branches. Celastrus orbiculatus Celastrus orbiculatus