Oriental bittersweet (Illegal to sell in Illinois) | The Morton Arboretum

Please note: Acorn Express Tram Tours are canceled today due to maintenance needs and will resume later this week

Get Tickets and Passes

Visit
Plan a Visit

Come discover lush, green landscapes, and find respite and inspiration in the shade of towering trees.
Visit
Explore
Explore the Arboretum

The Arboretum offers something for everyone in an unforgettable, tree-filled setting.
Explore
Plant and Protect
Plant and Protect Trees

The Arboretum has the expertise and advice to help you beautify your home landscape, improve your community, and advocate for trees.
Plant and Protect
Science
Science in Action

Learn how The Morton Arboretum is ensuring the future of trees through leading-edge science and conservation.
Science
Join and Support
The Arboretum Relies on Your Support

Support the Arboretum’s work to create a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Join and Support

Family (English) staff tree
Family (botanic) Celastraceae
Tree or plant type Vine
Native locale Non-native
Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
Season of interest early winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Vining
Growth rate Fast

Size and method of climbing:

Oriental bittersweet is an extremely vigorous twining vine that can easily grow to the tops of trees.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to China and Japan.

Leaf description:

The simple, alternate leaf is fairly round in shape. The native species is more oval with a pointed tip.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Small, greenish-white flowers borne in the leaf axils. Native bittersweet bears its flowers on the ends of branches. It is not showy.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Capsules that open to reveal bright orange seeds in autumn. Fruit are borne in the leaf axils. Native bittersweet bears its fruit on the ends of branches.

Photo Gallery (3)

Explore More

1

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift