Climbing Bittersweet

Celastrus scandens Climbing Bittersweet

AKA:  American Bittersweet, Bittersweet.  Well-drained soils and woodlands, it is a sturdy perennial vine  It sometimes kills saplings by restricting further growth.  It helps create a colorful table centerpiece.   

Celastrus scandens Climbing Bittersweet

Colorful orange fruits are the size of a pea and poisonous to humans when ingested.  It is native to central and Eastern North America.

Celastrus scandens Climbing Bittersweet

This time of year, the fruit starts to ripen and split open.

Celastrus scandens Climbing Bittersweet

 Inside, you can see the seeds.

Thanks to Gorman Nature Center for the opportunity to capture these images.  Thanks to Wikipedia for the information provided. 

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