Also known as Birdberries · Climbing Bittersweet · Climbing Staff-Tree
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is a vigorous deciduous vine native to eastern North America, prized for its ornamental berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water deeply when top 5-7 cm of soil is dry. Drought-tolerant once established.
Adaptable to various soil types, prefers moist, well-drained soil.
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize young plants sparingly in spring. Established plants generally do not need fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Celastrus scandens is drought-tolerant.
Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry, especially during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin out dense growth to improve air circulation and light penetration.
For size control or to manage vigorous growth, cut back stems to desired lengths.
Propagate from seed, cuttings, or root cuttings. Seeds require stratification (a period of cold, moist treatment) before sowing. Stem cuttings can be taken in summer and treated with rooting hormone.
Root cuttings can be divided in late winter.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in early spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Mature plants in the ground rarely need repotting, but container specimens will benefit from fresh soil periodically.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Celastrus |
| Species | Celastrus scandens |
Similar in genus Celastrus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
