Cool Creek Seedlings
American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
Description
Latin: Celastrus scandens
Zones: 3b - 8
Other common names: climbing bittersweet, shrubby bittersweet
Mature Height/spread: This is a vine that can climb to 60 ft. high/ 20' spread. Needs plenty of room to grow.
Soil / Climate: American Bittersweet grows in a variety of soils, in sun or partial shade. Best fruit in full sun. Soil Moisture: Dry to moist. Soil pH: Acid to neutral.
Notes: Wedge shaped leaves 2 to 5 inches long, that turn yellow in autumn. American Bittersweet produces green flowers in the spring which turn into yellowish orange capsules that split to reveal red fruit in late fall (usually lasting through winter).
Wildlife: American Bittersweet fruit is eaten by songbirds, turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, pheasant, and many squirrels. The seed capsules remain on the plant well into the cold season and provide food for birds in the winter. Old fruits are eaten as survival foods by many birds and animals in late winter.