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American bittersweet

Scientific Name: Celastrus scandens

Family: Celastraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (American bittersweet)

       

American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)

American bittersweet, scientifically known as Celastrus scandens, is a captivating vine celebrated for its vibrant autumn display.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text explicitly warns that American Bittersweet plants (Waxwork, Celastrus Scandens) are poisonous to dogs and cats. It recommends contacting the Pet Poison Helpline if ingestion is suspected.

Considerations for Children

  • The text explicitly warns that all parts of the plant are toxic and the fruit is poisonous.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Celastrus scandens
  • Common Names: American bittersweet, bittersweet, false bittersweet, climbing bittersweet, waxwork, shrubby bittersweet, climbing orange-root, fever-twig, fevertwig, fever-twitch, staff tree, climbing staff tree, staff vine, Jacob's ladder.
  • Family: Celastraceae (Staff Tree Family)
  • Synonyms: The text mentions the potential for hybridization between Celastrus scandens and the invasive Oriental bittersweet (C. orbiculatus).

Distribution and Habitat

  • American bittersweet is native to North America and thrives throughout most of the U.S.
  • It's often found growing over fences or climbing up trees.
  • It can be found in sunny areas.

Ecological Role

  • The text highlights the issue of the invasive Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) being commonly sold as the native American bittersweet, creating confusion and potentially displacing the native species, especially in the Northeast.
  • American bittersweet is declining in some regions due to competition with invasives.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a climbing vine that twines around its support.
  • It's a deciduous, perennial woody vine reaching up to 30 feet long.
  • Leaves are smooth, thin, elliptical to ovate, and 2 to 4 inches long, about half as wide.
  • Flowers are understated and bloom in June.
  • American bittersweet produces yellow-orange three-lobed seed capsules that split open in the autumn to reveal showy red berries.
  • The fruits are found at the terminal ends of the stems.

Quirky Facts

  • One source suggests that buying both male and female plants will help ensure fruit production.
  • The "Autumn Revolution" cultivar is considered to have the "Perfect Flower."

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts birds.