Tree Descriptions
Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
| Height: |
climbs to 15 feet |
| Growth Rate: |
rapid |
| Soil: |
sand, loam, clay |
| Moisture: |
moist |
| Shade Tolerance: |
full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time: |
May-June |
| Flower Color: |
white |
| Uses: |
wildlife, ornamental |
| Spacing: |
6’ x 6’ |
| Habitat: |
Prefers full sun and most soil conditions. Plants can get aggressive
in rich soil. |
Bittersweet is a woody vine that will climb vertically or sprawl horizontally. Best used
with a pole or trellis as twining habit can kill shrubs or trees. Yellow-orange fruit hangs
in clusters and splits open in the fall to reveal bright red-orange seeds. Plants are male or
female, and both sexes are needed for fruit production. Fruit attracts birds and small
animals.
