asiatic bittersweet

Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, climbing vine that can grow 60-feet long, with a stem up to six inches in diameter. Leaves are elliptical with fine teeth on the margins. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in the spring. In the fall, the vine produces large numbers of red berries that begin as green, ripen to yellow-orange, and spilt open to reveal fleshy red berries that can persist into winter. Some shade tolerance allows it to grow in open forests. 

Bittersweet invades fields, field edges, and forest openings. It grows into and over shrubs and trees, forming large, dense mats of vegetation that outcompetes the native plants and trees. It produces large numbers of fruit that are eaten by birds, which disperse the seeds. 

Seedlings can be hand pulled in small populations, although the entire root must be removed, or it will resprout. Larger vines should be controlled by cutting and painting the freshly cut stems with glyphosate-based or triclopyr-based herbicides. Application of herbicides on the bark of larger vines can also be effective and eliminates the need for cutting. Foliar application of triclopyr-based herbicides may also be effective on small plants. Always read and follow the directions on the label when using herbicides.

In Newburyport’s yard waste center, any cuttings should be contained in a brown paper leaf bag with a closed top and placed in the designated location per the attendant or cuttings may disperse and reestablish. You may also call the Sustainability Office at 978/499-0413 to get advice on the best disposal options for invasive plant cuttings.