American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) vs. Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Updated January 30th, 2025These species, one native, and one introduced and widely considered invasive, are visually similar. They can be reliably distinguished by flower and fruit cluster arrangement, and sometimes by fruit capsule color, leaf shape, or leaf serration pattern. Both species are variable in appearance, and looking at multiple characteristics is important. These species also can potentially hybridize; the rate of hybridization in the wild is unknown. The native C. scandens ranges farther north and west, prefers calcareous or mafic soils, and is slightly more drought-tolerant, whereas the introduced C. orbiculatus ranges farther southeast, tolerates a wider variety of soils but is less drought-tolerant.
