Weed Alert: Asiatic Bittersweet

Image:  James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Bugwood.org

Because it can spread so quickly and smother almost anything in its path, Asiatic bittersweet aka Round leaf bittersweet (formerly known as Oriental bittersweet) is rapidly taking over many American forests. As a result, the United States Department of Agriculture considers the Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) a national invasive species. Asiatic bittersweet is also listed as a noxious weed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Image:  Rounded leaf, Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org