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Family: Celastraceae (Bittersweet family)
Mid-Atlantic bloom time:
May
Mid-Atlantic fruit ripe:
August - September
Oriental Bittersweet is native to eastern Asia but has become an invasive species in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its fruits are three-valved capsules, which dehisce to reveal fleshy bright yellowish-red arils that cover the seeds. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous.
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8 December 2015
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (seeds in early winter) 
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8 June 2026
Great Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA 
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8 June 2026
Great Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA (developing fruits) 
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8 December 2015
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (vines encircling a supporting host) 
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8 December 2015
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA 
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8 December 2015
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (seeds in early winter; note 3-part structure) 
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22 August 2021
Great Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA 
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