Asian Bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
Also listed as Catha articulata, Celastrus articulatus
Also known as Asiatic Bittersweet, Oriental Bittersweet, Roundleaf Bittersweet
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A vigorous climbing vine with small greenish flowers followed by ornamental orange and red capsules in fall. It is highly invasive and should be managed carefully to prevent spread.
Why grow it
Celastrus orbiculatus produces showy orange and red capsules in fall that persist into winter, offering ornamental appeal during a season when many deciduous vines have faded. Compared to native alternative climbers like C. scandens (American bittersweet), this species establishes and spreads more readily, which can be an advantage in difficult sites but requires intentional management. University extension services generally recommend it only where its vigor can be reliably contained, such as on sturdy structures distant from natural areas.
Watch out for
This vine becomes woody and heavy when mature, so initial training and sturdy support structures are essential to prevent damage to fencing or siding. Young plants may take a season or two to establish visible flowering, so patience during early growth is typical. Like other climbing vines, it benefits from periodic pruning to manage density and maintain access to structures underneath.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Celastraceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous climbing vine with small greenish flowers followed by ornamental orange and red capsules in fall. It is highly invasive and should be managed carefully to prevent spread.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Asian Bittersweet grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Celastrus orbiculatus produces showy orange and red capsules in fall that persist into winter, offering ornamental appeal during a season when many deciduous vines have faded. Compared to native alternative climbers like C. scandens (American bittersweet), this species establishes and spreads more readily, which can be an advantage in difficult sites but requires intentional management. University extension services generally recommend it only where its vigor can be reliably contained, such as on sturdy structures distant from natural areas.
Watch out for
This vine becomes woody and heavy when mature, so initial training and sturdy support structures are essential to prevent damage to fencing or siding. Young plants may take a season or two to establish visible flowering, so patience during early growth is typical. Like other climbing vines, it benefits from periodic pruning to manage density and maintain access to structures underneath.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Celastraceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
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