Oriental Asian Bittersweet

Impact – An aggressive perennial woody vine with elliptic alternating leaves spiraling around stem. Competes for sunlight growing to 60 ft., spreads thru many methods including seed dispersal, above and below ground stems. Prefers open sun along forest edges.

How to Identify – Flowers May – early June with bright reddish-orange fruit in fall. Elliptic to ovate leaves are alternate and spiral evenly around the stem and have a serrated edge. Stems vary in diameter and can be up to 6+ inches. Bark is striated and dark brown covered with lenticels. Causes damage to native trees & plants by girdling. Can be distinguished from native American bittersweet which has flowers and fruit at the end of its branches.

Control – Small infestations can be managed by pulling or digging. Entire root must be removed to prevent re-sprouting. Use of a leverage tool may be needed for larger plants. Cut vines by hand prior to seed development and monitor site in fall. Do not compost. Spot treat cut stems with a foliar herbicide such as Glyphosate or triclopyr. Has been found in S. L. region.