American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Celastrus scandens is a native climbing vine found across most of the eastern and central United States. It produces small greenish flowers from May through July, followed by bright orange berries in fall.
American Bittersweet is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Bittersweet as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing American Bittersweet
Grow American Bittersweet in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does American Bittersweet grow naturally?
- American Bittersweet is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Georgia and west to Montana and Texas.
- When does Celastrus scandens bloom?
- American Bittersweet produces small greenish-white flowers from May through July.
- What pollinators visit American Bittersweet?
- The small flowers of Celastrus scandens attract various bees and beetles during the blooming period.
- How should I grow American Bittersweet in my garden?
- This adaptable vine grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and can handle various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is American Bittersweet toxic to dogs?
- Yes. American Bittersweet is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Bittersweet toxic to cats?
- Yes. American Bittersweet is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Bittersweet toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Bittersweet as toxic to livestock.
- Is American Bittersweet HOA-friendly?
- American Bittersweet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
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