Celastrus

A twining, climbing vine that is easily trained to climb walls, trellises, and fences. Leaves are alternate, oval, dark green in color, becoming yellow before dropping in the fall. The inconspicuous flowers appear in June, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The female flowers, and the fruits into which they develop, are always at the tip of a branch - this feature distinguishes this non-invasive native species from the invasive Oriental bittersweet. American bittersweet fruits, which ripen in fall, are bright red and showy, like those of the Oriental species. This twining vine produces excellent wildlife cover and aids in erosion control. The fruits provide winter food for grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbits, and squirrels. The branches, with their colorful berries, make appealing winter decorations or additions to dried floral arrangements. To be assured of fruit production, it is best to plant at least one female and one male vine.