Oriental bittersweet is a deciduous woody vine that can reach 19 m (60 ft) in height, and can grow to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. Its leaves are simple and alternate. It blooms in May with small yellow-green flowers, and its numerous green berries turn red in yellow capsules upon maturity.
Oriental bittersweet is a serious threat to plant communities due to its high reproductive rate, long-range dispersal, ability to root sucker, and rapid growth rate. Climbing vines severely damage or kill trees and shrubs by constricting and girdling stems, and by blocking sunlight. Oriental bittersweet has a wide range of habitat preferences including roadsides, thickets, young forests and dunes. It is shade tolerant, readily germinating and growing under a closed forest canopy. Seeds are dispersed readily by birds and small mammals. (Source: EDDMapS)
Individuals who find invasive bittersweet for sale in Connecticut should contact DEEP at 860-424-3738 or email logan.senack@ct.gov.
Management Options:
A. Hand Pulling
Control can often be accomplished by hand-pulling for small populations (less than 1/4 acre). Plants pulled early in the season are much smaller and easier to manage.
B. Cutting & Mowing
Mowing (or brush hogging where woody plants are present) is suited to non-rocky, open areas that are not too steep for the equipment. Obviously, mowing affects all plants mowed, not just the target species. Equipment should be cleaned prior to being brought to the site and should be thoroughly cleaned of all seeds and plant parts before leaving the site.
C. Propane Torch
Backpack-mounted propane torches can be used for invasive plant control. This method uses targeted fire to heat the base of a plant, killing it. Some plants with developed roots may resprout after this treatment. Safety training is needed before using this method.
D. Herbicides
Herbicides are pesticides used for vegetation management. Herbicides can be a valuable tool in controlling invasive species, but they must be used with caution.
Always read the entire herbicide label and apply herbicides according to label directions. Wear the personal protective equipment specified on the product label and heed any and all environmental restrictions stated on the label.
Most herbicide products, especially those marketed to homeowners and small property owners, are classified as “General Use” pesticides. Only licensed pesticide applicators are allowed to purchase or apply “Restricted Use” pesticides.
E. Grazing
Grazing means using animals to eat plants.