Also known as Asian Staff-Vine · Asiatic Bittersweet · Chinese Bittersweet
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a vigorous, invasive deciduous vine known for its attractive fruit. It can smother native vegetation and trees.
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
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Loam, Clay, Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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 of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant is dormant.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. For vigorous growth and flowering, thin out the canopy to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Can be pruned to control size and shape.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, keeping them moist and in a humid environment.
Seeds can also be sown in autumn or after a period of cold stratification. Division of root clumps is also possible.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, every 3-5 years, or when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot one size larger than the current one. Ensure good drainage holes.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Celastrus |
| Species | Celastrus orbiculatus |
Similar in genus Celastrus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
