American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Last reviewed: June 2026
American Bittersweet is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–600" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American bittersweet is a vigorous native climbing vine that can reach 30-50 feet in height. It produces small greenish flowers in late spring and summer, followed by bright orange berries in fall that persist into winter. This deciduous vine needs strong support structures and regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming other plants.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Bittersweet takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
- Can overwhelm structures and nearby plants
- Requires frequent maintenance to look tidy
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the growing season. The colorful berries provide important winter food for birds, and the dense growth offers nesting sites and shelter.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like American Bittersweet and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.