American bittersweet
Celastrus scandens L.
American bittersweet becomes especially conspicuous when its fruit opens. Rounded capsules turn orange and split into sections, revealing red seed coverings within. This display can remain after the leaves have yellowed and fallen. The plant reaches upward by twining its woody stems around supports, rather than by attaching small adhesive roots or clinging tendrils. NC State Extension: American bittersweet
Botanical name
Kew accepts Celastrus scandens L. as a North American woody climber. Kew POWO: Celastrus scandens
Recognizing the plant
Its alternate leaves are simple, broadly oblong to elliptical, with finely toothed edges and tapered tips. The flowers are much less showy than the fruit: small, greenish-white and five-petaled, they form branching clusters toward the ends of new side shoots. Male and female flowers generally occur on separate plants. Gray bark develops small pores and becomes flaky on older growth, while young shoots begin green before becoming brown and woody. NC State Extension: American bittersweet
Seasonal development
North Carolina regional horticultural account
North Carolina’s account records flowers in May and June, followed by the autumn and winter fruit display. NC State Extension: American bittersweet
Native range
This vine is native to central and eastern Canada and northern, eastern and central portions of the United States, spanning a broad part of temperate North America. Kew POWO: Celastrus scandens
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.