PlantsShrubs & Vines
American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Native bittersweet for a heavy trellis
AdvancedShrubs & Vines
- Light
- Full sun–part shade
- Moisture
- Dry–medium
- Mature size
- 10–30 ft vine
- Spacing
- Dedicated trellis
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers spring; orange fruit fall
- How it spreads
- Very vigorous woody vine
- What to buy
- Plug or container plant; provide the support and mature-space requirement before planting.
- When to plant
- Apr–May; late Aug–Sep, finishing about six weeks before the first frost.
In the design
Use a dedicated support; never allow the vine to overwhelm young trees or gutters.
