Oriental Bittersweet

Tan vine mass is Bittersweet vine

Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus articulates Thunb.) is a non-native invasive plant thriving in Eastern New England.

Where found: Along roadsides and waterways, field edges, and coniferous and deciduous forests.

Recognizable Description: Berry clusters change color from yellow to orange then a bright orangish-red. Root system is elaborate and orange in color. Woody vine grows roughly up to sixty feet in height.

Use: Vine can be used as a rope. Example: I wrapped the vine at least twice around a bundle of herbaceous plants then used a double overhand knot securing the bundle. Leaving about a ten foot span of vine leading from the bundle creates a pull rope for the bundle to be dragged.

Removal: Cut vine and pull up by roots.  If vine is in the tree canopy, cut vine and leave in place to rot and fall out naturaly to prevent risk of injuring yourself. 

If you are planning on working with or removing Oriental Bittersweet, refer to sources such as the general state statutes http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/list.html for more information as you may need a permit.

What have you used bittersweet for?