American Bittersweet vs Boston Ivy - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Boston Ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Boston Ivy
American Bittersweet

Boston Ivy is an elegant, climbing vine that is often seen as a decorative addition to the sides of buildings. Unlike other climbing vines, this vine does not need a support to grow on. Instead, it clings to surfaces with holdfasts located at the tendril ends.

Boston Ivy is excellent for covering walls, trellises, arbors or fences, but can also be grown on the ground. Don't plant this vine against wood walls, shingle walls, gutters, or shutters as the holdfasts can cause damage over time. This variety will grow as tall and wide as the structure it is grown upon, so make sure you plan your site accordingly.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Boston Ivy Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Fall colour: scarlet red to purple
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB