| Oriental Bittersweet is an invasive and increasingly common high-climbing vine, introduced from Asia. A big problem in the Mountains of North Carolina, where it is outcompeting the native American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.
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| The flowers are small and green. Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.
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| Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.
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| Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.
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| Chapel Hill, NC 5/2/09.
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| The bright orange-red fruits are quite ornamental -- the reason the vine was introduced. The fruits are eaten and seeds spread by birds. Orange Co., NC 12/27/09.
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| Orange Co., NC 12/27/09.
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| The flowers and fruits of Oriental Bittersweet are in axillary cymes, while those of American Bittersweet are in terminal panicles. Chapel Hill, NC 11/13/05.
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| The alternate, deciduous leaves are nearly round, while those of American Bittersweet are narrower. Chapel Hill, NC 4/20/03.
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| Chapel Hill, NC 5/6/06.
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More information:
Exotic Pest Plants of Southeastern Forests
PCA Alien Plant Working Group
Wikipedia
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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