American bittersweet, Climbing bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
A woody vine. It climbs 6 m high. The leaves are 10 cm long. They have teeth along the edge. The leaves are oblong and taper to a point. Male and female plants are separate. The flowers are greenish. The fruit are yellow. They are pea sized and contain scarlet seeds. It only fruits in a continental climate.
There are about 30 Celastrus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada (country/location of origin), Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The fruit and seed are toxic. The twigs and inner bark are eaten. The poison is removed by boiling.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Bark, shoots
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or layering. It can be grown by root cuttings. It is grown on trees and fences.
Its other names
Local names
Climbing bittersweet, False bittersweet, Staff vine, Waxwork