Quick answer: American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: The Cosmonaut, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5 CA)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained soils, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Vine up to 50 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds with showy fruit, autumn/winter food source |
All parts, seeds: low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness
none noted for this native species itself; being displaced/replaced in Northeast by invasive non-native Asiatic bittersweet (C. orbiculatus)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about American bittersweet
Where is American bittersweet native?
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American bittersweet bloom?
American bittersweet blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American bittersweet need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Well-drained soils, circumneutral pH. Mature height: Vine up to 50 ft.
Is American bittersweet good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds with showy fruit, autumn/winter food source.
Is American bittersweet deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American bittersweet is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is American bittersweet toxic?
All parts, seeds: low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness.
Where can I buy real American bittersweet seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Celastrus scandens on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American bittersweet.
- American basswood Tilia americana
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Shagbark hickory Carya ovata
- Sugar maple Acer saccharum
- Downy serviceberry Amelanchier arborea
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
Also listed under
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