Celastrus
Quick Summary
The genus Celastrus refers to a group of woody vines and shrubs belonging to the staff tree family, Celastraceae. These plants are native primarily to Asia and Australia. They are characterized by alternate, deciduous leaves, flowers arranged in panicles or racemes, and a distinctive three-valved, orange or yellow capsule fruit that reveals seeds enclosed in colorful arils.123
Two well-known species are American bittersweet (C. scandens) and Oriental bittersweet (C. orbiculatus), both cultivated as ornamentals for their vibrant fruit. Oriental bittersweet is a vigorous climber, while American bittersweet often has many sterile individuals. The term "bittersweet" can also refer to Solanum dulcamara, a different plant in the nightshade family.3
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