Image 1: Unopened Asiatic bittersweet fruit in early October, by Gloria Schoenholtz Image 2: Asiatic bittersweet vine with expanded fruit later in the fall, by Gloria Schoenholtz Introduced to the United States in the 1860s as an ornamental and erosion control plant from East Asia, Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) has been running rampant ever since. Hardy and fast-growing, this climbing vine is known for its attractive red-orange arils and aggressive behavior. By wrapping itself around a standing tree and girdling it, Celastrus orbiculatus can strangle trees of all sizes by cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. The vines can grow so large that their sheer weight can break or uproot a tree. Burdened with the weight of massive woody vines and leaves, weakened trees are vulnerable to damage from ice and windstorms. Amenable to a range of soil types and with a high germination rate, Asiatic bittersweet’s seeds are spread by water, animals, and humans. Another way bittersweet spreads is through its vines, which can grow and travel from tree to tree in the forest canopy. As a result, when one tree falls or is cut down, attached trees may be pulled down as well. Because it can spread so quickly and smother almost anything in its path, Asiatic bittersweet is rapidly taking over many American forests. Now is one of the best times to find this invasive vine and control it on your property. IDENTIFICATION Identifying Asiatic bittersweet is easier during this time of year due to its leaf color and highly visible fruit (arils). Golden Leaf Color: Asiatic bittersweet has alternate, finely-toothed leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. This vine will stand out in the landscape and be highly visible until its leaves drop. Persistent Vegetation: Asiatic bittersweet will still have some yellow or green leaves present well into the autumn. It retains its leaves late into the season when most other deciduous trees and vines have shed theirs. Bright Red Fruit: Look for showy fruits in the fall (and into the winter). The round yellow capsules are situated in clusters along the stem. As fall deepens, the capsules will split open and reveal bright red arils which contain the seeds.   Image:  Asiatic bittersweet leaves turning yellow in the fall, by UNH Cooperative Extension KNOW THE DIFFERENCE It’s important to know the difference between American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). American bittersweet is native to Virginia and has red arils encased in orange capsules. Asiatic bittersweet is an invasive species and has red arils encased in bright yellow capsules. Image 1:  American bittersweet ( (Celastrus scandens) arils are encased in orange capsules, by Illinois News Bureau Image 2:  Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) arils are encased in bright yellow capsules, by Illinois News Bureau In addition, you can distinguish between the two species by examining the location of fruits. In Asiatic bittersweet, the arils can be found all along the stems. In American bittersweet, arils can be found in large clusters at the tips of the branches. Image:  Minnesota Department of Agriculture Download our Asiatic Bittersweet fact sheet for more information. Learn more: American and Oriental Bittersweet Identification CONTROL When left unchecked, Asiatic bittersweet vines can take over the landscape, smothering out native species of trees, shrubs, and plantings. Because of this, the United States Department of Agriculture considers the Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) a national invasive species. Moreover, Asiatic bittersweet is listed as a noxious weed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. One of the best ways to combat invasive species is by identifying small infestations and removing them before they grow larger and harder to control. To ensure long-term control of Asiatic bittersweet, monitor treated sites for several years for seedlings and regrowth from roots. Treat these as soon as possible. Manual: Hand pull small seedlings and vines being sure to remove the crown and all large roots. Do not pull vines from trees; this is hazardous to people on the ground and can damage the trees. Cut Stump: Cut small to large vines near ground level using a hand pruner, hand-saw, or chainsaw. Immediately apply a concentrated herbicide to the cut stump to prevent resprouting, June – February with late summer – fall ideal. Foliar Spray: Low bushy vines or resprouted vines can be treated with a foliar herbicide spray from June – October. You should avoid spraying large vines overhead (best to cut stump these). To avoid harming desirable plants, apply foliar spray when other plants are leafless in late fall, but while bittersweet leaves are still green/yellow. Notes  Always follow all herbicide label directions and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) per label instructions. Take care to avoid herbicide contact with native plants. See Virginia Department of Forestry Guidelines for specific herbicide recommendations. Image:  Asiatic bittersweet girdling a large tree in Northern Virginia, by Susan A. Roth Learn more: USDA National Invasive Species Information Center Code of Virginia: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 noxious weeds

SOURCE: Blue Ridge PRISM [Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management]