American Bittersweet

Description:

Bittersweet has a sturdy perennial vine with twining, woody stems that are 30 feet or longer and an inch or more thick at the base. The stems are yellowish-green to brown and wind around other vegetation, sometimes killing saplings by restricting further growth. It has colorful, orange fruit that are the size of a pea. These fruits are poisonous to humans when eaten, but are favorites of birds.

Habitat:

Grows in most soils, best in lean to average soil with regular moisture in full sun. It is commonly found on rich, well-drained soils of woodlands.

Notes:

This bittersweet was found at the Chippewa Picnic Area on Hwy 26.