Also called Climbing Bittersweet, Staff Vine
ZONE:
2
COLOUR:
Lime-green
HEIGHT:
10-15 m
SPREAD:
6-8 m
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Celastrus scandens 'Bailumn' - Bittersweet - Photo courtesy of Van Belle Nursery Inc.
Also called Climbing Bittersweet, Staff Vine
ZONE:
2
COLOUR:
Lime-green
HEIGHT:
10-15 m
SPREAD:
6-8 m
'Diane' grows best in an average to dry, well-drained soil, in full sun. Pruning to maintain shape can be done at any time. This plant needs a sturdy support or fence to climb. Mature plants are known to girdle large trees.
The most visible difference between Celastrus scandens and Celastrus orbiculatus (the invasive one) is that Celastrus scandens has flowers and fruits at the ends of branches; Celastrus orbiculatus flowers in the axils of the leaves.
Larval host for at least one native moth, the Mottled Brown and Gray moth. The flowers attract many species of bees, some ants and some wasps.
Berry-laden branches are prized for their decorative value. While the fruits are poisonous to humans, they safely feed mid-sized and large birds.
