American Bittersweet vs Boston Ivy - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Boston Ivy

Celastrus scandens

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

American Bittersweet
Boston Ivy

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 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 Quick Facts

Boston Ivy Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: scarlet red to purple
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Flowers: small white clusters
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none



Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans