American bittersweet making berries

American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is now in its colorful phase, with big bunches of red fruit hanging from the ends of the stems. Bittersweet was here even before we started restoration, and on the south slope we used to see it climbing buckthorn and other woody shrubs. All those shrubs are long gone, but bittersweet is still around. It no longer has anything to climb on, but seems to be just as happy spreading out along the ground.

For some reason, it seems to be especially prolific near Pleasant Valley Road, so it is easy to see during a leisurely stroll down the road.

Asian bittersweet is also prevalent in Wisconsin but fortunately we have only the native one.

Gardeners like this colorful plant, and often provide vertical poles for it to climb on.

The berries in the photo are immature. Later they will split open to reveal a crimson seed.