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Oriental Bittersweet

Celastrus orbiculatus

An example of Oriental bittersweet photographed on a book scanner.

From left to right: a leaf that grows on the Or. Bittersweet; a second, rounded, oblique leaf; and a distinctive white r

Celastrus orbiculatus is a woody vine of the family Celastraceae. It is commonly called Oriental bittersweet, as well as Chinese bittersweet, Asian bittersweet, round-leaved bittersweet, and Asiatic bittersweet. It is native to China, where it is the most widely distributed Celastrus species, and to Japan and Korea.

Quick Facts
Scientific name Celastrus orbiculatus
Family Celastraceae
Height Vine to 60 ft
Bloom time May-Jun
Sun Full sun to part shade
Moisture Dry to mesic
Soil Any
Wildlife value INVASIVE. Strangles and topples mature trees; hybridizes with native American bittersweet

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Image Credits

  • Shushimnotrealstooge (CC0)
  • Shushimnotrealstooge (CC0)

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