Ask the Green Thumb

A gardening expert digs into and answers your homegrown questions.

By Ann Wied - Brookfield, Wisconsin

Q. I’d like to plant bittersweet in my yard. Where do I start? —Naomi Ellenwood, Fort Wayne, Indiana

A: Before purchasing bittersweet, it’s important to know if the plant is a good fit for your yard. One of the most ornamental of hardy northern vines, it is fast-growing and adds year-round interest to any landscape. Bittersweet’s berries are contained in yellow-orange capsules that split open in fall. The berries remain attractive through most of winter, especially to hungry songbirds!

Bittersweet likes moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. To produce fruit, the plant needs adequate sun and space to accommodate a male and female plant. Figure on one male for every four females. They’re labeled at nurseries.

This vine will need a place to climb, like a wall, trellis or fence. Avoid placing it near trees or shrubs, as vines may girdle branches and over-shade them. Since its leaves, bark and fruit are toxic, keep it away from areas where children or pets play.

Be sure to buy the American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) rather than Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), which is invasive.

Ann Wied, our guest garden expert, is the Consumer Horticulture Educator for the UW-Extension in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She teaches gardeners of all ages through workshops, hands-on gardening programs and presentations. Ann has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and agriculture journalism.

Photo: Indiana Purdue University/Fort Wayne (bittersweet)
Photo: Paula Cartwright (Ann Wied)