Ohio State University Plant Dictionary

Scientific Name:
Celastrus scandens

Family:
American Bittersweet

Family:
Celastraceae

Description:
American Bittersweet is a primarily dioecious vine with attractive late autumn fruits on female plants; as such, the male plants are necessary for pollination (as in hollies) and this vine must be bought in identified pairs to guarantee fruit production. In some instances, both sexes may be planted in the same container and sold as a mixed pair. In the landscape, selective pruning of established male plants is most practical in autumn when the fruits are obvious on the female plants, if a mixed pair has become intertwined.

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