top of page

Distribution and damage of the Bittersweet

The oriental bittersweet is not a native plant, and was brought here by humans. they are trouble some plant, and to learn more, just scroll down. Find out the damage of these plants.

Hitchikers

This plant was brought over here by people.The Round leaf Bittersweet was introduced onto the north american continent in the mid-1860s(16). It is native to Korea, Japan, and China as an ornamental plant(16). It quickly spread through out North America(16). In the mid-1900s, there hardiness and beautiful fruit was promoted by many people, which then further contributed to it being an ornamental vine(16).

Where it is

The Round leaf bittersweet is all over eatsern and midwestern united states(18).

How it goes around

When they plant produces fruits with seeds inside, birds and mammals consume them(16). The ingested seeds, when pooped, then grow where ever they land(16). Ingested seeds also have a higher germination rate than seeds that simply fall to the ground(16). It is also is sometimes mistaken as the indigenous American Bittersweet in nurseries and garden centers(16).

Damage

As mentioned above, the Round leaf Bittersweet vines twine around trees and other supports resulting is them being girdled and absolutely smother trees and shrubs(16). In the winter, the added snow and ice with the vines could put enough weight on the tree or shut to break it(16). The plant also outcompetes the American Bittersweet, its native cousin(16). It is to the point that Connecticut now lists it as a concerned species.

bottom of page