Celastrus scandens aka Climbing Bittersweet

Celastrus scandens, commonly known as American bittersweet or bittersweet, is a sturdy perennial vine native to central and eastern North America. This deciduous climber has twining, woody stems that can reach lengths of 30 feet or more. The stems are yellowish-green to brown and wind around other vegetation, sometimes impeding their growth. Blooming mostly in June, the vine produces small scentless flowers at the tips of its branches. These flowers are followed by orange fruits, resembling peas in size, which are poisonous to humans but beloved by birds. The roots of C. scandens were historically used by Native Americans and pioneers for various purposes, including inducing vomiting, treating venereal disease, and alleviating symptoms of tuberculosis. Introduced by colonists in the 18th century, the vine was named bittersweet due to its resemblance to the fruits of common nightshade. However, the name American bittersweet is now accepted to differentiate it from the invasive Oriental bittersweet (C. orbiculatus) from Asia. Hybrids of C. orbiculatus and C. scandens, produced solely from C. scandens seed and C. orbicularis pollen, exhibit reduced seed set and small, infertile pollen. This vigorous climber has ovate leaves and clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers, which are followed by clusters of orange-yellow fruits that split open to reveal scarlet seeds. American bittersweet thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline sandy soil and is particularly renowned for its bright red berries and yellow leaves during the fall season. In addition to its ornamental value, the fruit of this vine is commonly utilized in dried arrangements.