Climbing Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
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Pl. 931B — Celastrus scandens
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IOverview
Overview
Climbing Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is a deciduous vine native to the eastern United States and Canada, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Quebec and Ontario. This plant thrives in moist soils with a pH between 5 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions but preferring light to medium soil types. It can grow up to 8 meters tall and is known for its ornamental value due to the bright red berries that appear after the leaves fall. Climbing Bittersweet is also edible; its stem can be used as a food source. The vine prefers full sun to partial shade, making it versatile in garden settings. Despite its common name, this plant should not be confused with the invasive Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).
Quick answers
What is Climbing Bittersweet?
Climbing Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is a deciduous vine native to the eastern United States and Canada, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Quebec and Ontario. This plant thrives in moist soils with a pH between 5 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Climbing Bittersweet thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best with a pH between 5 and 7.5. Hardy from zones 3-8, this vine can reach up to 8 meters in height. Propagate through stem cuttings for easy growth. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during dry periods.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-8
Habit
Vine
Mature size
8.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Climbing Bittersweet for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Climbing Bittersweet in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Climbing Bittersweet plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5 and 7.5, and prepare a spot that gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young plant into your prepared garden bed, making sure it has enough space to grow up structures like fences or trellises.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support as the plant grows, and continue regular watering during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The stem of Climbing Bittersweet can be eaten, though it is not commonly used in culinary practices due to its bitter taste. It can be prepared by boiling or steaming before consumption. The plant grows well in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5 and 7.5, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Mississippi, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 931b6704-f513-4cf2-824d-1b24c4277c7f
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