Oriental bittersweet is an invasive vine that can take over gardens and choke out native plants. Learning how to identify and remove oriental bittersweet properly is key to controlling this aggressive invader. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and techniques for identifying oriental bittersweet, removing established vines, and preventing regrowth.

Identifying Oriental Bittersweet

Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a deciduous, perennial vine that twines aggressively around its support structure. It climbs by winding its stems around a support and attaching itself with small, sucker-like roots. Here are some key ways to identify oriental bittersweet:

Growth Habit

Grows rapidly, up to 60 feet long.
Climbs trees, shrubs, fences and structures, girdling and choking them.
Forms dense blankets that cover and kill other plants.
Dies back each winter then regrows vigorously each spring.

Leaves

Alternate, rounded, glossy leaves.
2-5 inches long with finely toothed margins.
Leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Stems

Long, flexible, twining stems that cling and climb.
Young stems light green, maturing to brown.
Older stems have tan, papery, peeling bark.

Flowers and Fruit

Clusters of small greenish-white flowers bloom in spring.
Female plants produce clusters of orangish berries in fall that persist through winter.
Each berry contains 1-2 seeds.

Compare oriental bittersweet’s features to our native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). American bittersweet has flowers and fruits only at branch tips, rather than all along the vine’s length like the invasive type.

Growing Conditions

Oriental bittersweet tolerates a wide range of conditions:

Grows in full sun to full shade.
Tolerates poor, rocky soils.
Thrives along roadsides, forest edges, fencerows.
Invades old fields, woodlands, and disturbed areas.

Once established, oriental bittersweet is highly tolerant of drought, heat, pollution, deer, and poor soil. These tough growing conditions allow it to thrive and spread aggressively.

Removing Oriental Bittersweet Vines

Removing oriental bittersweet takes persistence and continued effort to deplete the extensive root system. Follow these steps for best results:

Cut Vines Near the Ground

Cut all vines close to the ground, just above soil level.
Cutting vines will prevent flowering, fruiting, and further spread.
Use loppers or a hand saw for vines up to 1-inch diameter.
For larger vines, use a chainsaw or sawzall with pruning blade.

Pull Up Rooted Sections

After cutting, pull on vine sections to uproot areas that have rooted.
Focus on pulling vines where they cling to trees or structures.
Use a heavy fork or pry bar to lift rooted sections.

Apply Herbicide to Cut Stems

Immediately apply glyphosate or triclopyr herbicide to cut stems.
Use a small paint brush or spray bottle for herbicide application.
Herbicide will kill roots to prevent regrowth.

Follow label directions closely for any herbicide use. Glyphosate products like Roundup can only be used if vines are not growing near or on desirable plants. Triclopyr products like Ortho Brush-B-Gon can be used around trees and shrubs since they only affect broadleaf plants.

Monitor and Repeat Cuttings

Expect resprouting from remaining roots and missed vines.
Monitor every 4-6 weeks and cut & treat regrowth.
Persistence is key – it may take several years to fully eradicate.

Repeated cuttings will continue depleting root reserves to eventually kill the vine. Just one cutting provides temporary control but regrowth will rapidly resume.

Follow-up Treatment Options

For large infestations, combine initial cuttings with one or more follow-up treatment options:

Remove Rooted Vines

Dig out rooted sections by hand or with a shovel.
Use loppers and pruners to cut away vines as you dig.
Remove all roots and root fragments whenever possible.

Apply Herbicide to Foliage

As regrowth occurs, spray foliage with triclopyr herbicide.
Thorough coverage is needed to penetrate waxy leaf coatings.
Treatment is most effective on younger, actively growing foliage.

Cover with Tarps

Place dark-colored tarps directly over cut vine stumps.
Weigh down tarps well with bricks, stones, or stakes.
Leave tarps in place for at least one full growing season.
Blocking light kills the covered vegetation.

Intensive Mowing

Mow regrowth every 2-3 weeks with a brush cutter or tractor.
Cut as close to the ground as possible.
Mowing stresses plants by removing photosynthetic foliage.

For large infestations across multiple acres, combining cutting with herbicide spraying and tarping works best. Hire a professional licensed applicator for large-scale herbicide use.

Preventing Oriental Bittersweet Regrowth

Prevention of regrowth and reinfestation is critical after oriental bittersweet removal. Use these proactive methods:

Plant Competitive Native Groundcovers

Plant fast-growing native vines, grasses, or groundcovers.
Good choices include trumpet honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, switchgrass, ferns, and sedges.
Dense plantings prevent germination and regrowth.

Pull Seedlings

Hand pull seedlings when small to prevent reestablishment.
Seedlings have rounded, fuzzy green leaves in sets of 4.
Wear gloves and pull out entire root system.

Monitor for New Growth

Inspect removal areas regularly, especially in spring.
Pull, cut and treat any new sprouts immediately.
Early detection prevents reinfestation.

Replant with Care

Avoid planting within 50 feet of infestation edges.
Select site-appropriate, native species when replanting.
Monitor replanted areas and remove Oriental Bittersweet seedlings.

Diligent follow-up monitoring and maintenance will provide the best defense against Oriental Bittersweet returning. Be vigilant and remove any new growth quickly.

Common Questions about Oriental Bittersweet Identification and Removal

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about identifying and controlling oriental bittersweet:

How can I tell oriental and American bittersweet vines apart?

American bittersweet has small clusters of fruits and flowers only at the ends of branches. Oriental bittersweet has fruits and flowers all along the vine’s length. Also, oriental bittersweet has fewer lobes on its fruit capsules.

How long does it take for oriental bittersweet vines to die after cutting?

Vines will start to decline after 2-4 weeks but the extensive root systems can store enough energy to resprout for 1-3 years. Repeated cuttings are needed to fully eliminate plants.

Can I just pull down oriental bittersweet vines from trees?

Pulling down vines will temporarily reduce climbing growth but will not kill the plant. Cutting vines first, then pulling down detached lengths is more effective. The cut & herbicide treatment method is required to kill the plant.

Does painting cut stumps with herbicide really make a difference?

Yes, applying herbicide to the cut stump surface is critical to kill the root system and prevent resprouting. Herbicideapplication to foliage can help but is not as effective overall.

How do I dispose of large oriental bittersweet vines I cut down?

Cut vines can be left onsite to decompose if no berries are present. To prevent spread, remove and bag berries then dispose of berry-free vines onsite or burn, bury, or landfill vines with berries.

What time of year is best for removing oriental bittersweet?

Cutting vines is effective anytime but late summer/early fall provides the best window for controlling root energy reserves. Avoid late spring when resources are mobilized to support maximum growth.

How do I remove oriental bittersweet from my trees without hurting them?

Cut vines at chest height, then again at ground level before gently pulling down the rooted length. Avoid excessive pulling or prying that can damage tree bark. Use loppers to cut away stubborn vines.

Conclusion

Oriental bittersweet is a challenging invasive vine to control due to its rapid growth, abundant fruits, and extensive root system. However, identifying Oriental Bittersweet accurately, cutting vines repeatedly, using herbicides correctly, and vigilant monitoring can provide effective control over time. Combining multiple removal methods and preventing reintroduction will provide the best chance of success in eradicating oriental bittersweet long-term. With persistence, this aggressive invader can be overcome.

How to Identify and Remove Oriental Bittersweet

Oriental bittersweet is an invasive vine that is becoming increasingly common across much of the United States. This aggressive plant chokes out native vegetation and climbs over trees and shrubs, potentially causing damage or death. Learning how to properly identify oriental bittersweet and use effective removal techniques is key to controlling the spread of this invasive plant. Here is a comprehensive guide to identifying and removing oriental bittersweet.

Identifying Oriental Bittersweet

The first step in managing oriental bittersweet is confirming identification. Here are the key features to look for:

Vine Growth Habit

Up to 60 feet long
Climbs rapidly over trees, shrubs, fences
Forms thick blankets covering vegetation
Dies back in winter then regrows vigorously in spring

Leaves

Alternate, rounded, glossy with finely toothed edges
2-5 inch long leaves
Yellow fall leaf color

Stems

Long, flexible, twining stems
Young stems light green, mature to brown
Older stems have tan, papery, peeling bark

Flowers and Fruits

Clusters of small greenish-white flowers bloom in spring
Orange berries in fall/winter in leaf axils along vine length
Each berry has 1-2 seeds

Compare to the native American bittersweet which has flowers/fruits only at vine tips. Oriental bittersweet has more invasive growth features.

Manual Removal Techniques

Manual removal involves cutting and uprooting oriental bittersweet vines. Follow these guidelines:

Cut Vines Close to the Ground

Use loppers or saws to cut all vines near soil level
Cutting prevents flowering, fruiting, and continued spread
Use larger tools for vines over 1 inch diameter

Pull Up Rooted Sections

After cutting, pull out any rooted sections possible
Focus on uprooting areas anchored to trees, fences, etc.
Use a sturdy fork or pry bar as needed

Remove Rooted Vines by Digging

Use a shovel or hoe to dig out larger rooted sections
Dig carefully around tree roots if vines are entwined
Remove all root fragments to prevent regrowth

For climbing vines, always cut them first before pulling down to avoid damaging the structures they are on. Expect resprouting from remaining roots and manual removal will need to be repeated over several years.

Herbicide Treatment

Herbicides can be very helpful in killing Oriental Bittersweet roots after initial cuttings. Some guidelines include:

Apply Herbicide to Cut Stems

Use glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicide on cut stems
Paint cut surfaces with a small brush or spray bottle applicator
Follow all label directions closely

Spot Spray Regrowth Foliage

As regrowth occurs, spray new foliage with triclopyr herbicide
Thorough coverage is needed to penetrate waxy leaves
Effective on younger, actively growing vines

Multiple cuttings along with careful herbicide use will provide more thorough control. Hire a licensed professional for large-scale herbicide applications.

Prevention and Follow-Up

Preventing reintroduction and monitoring removal sites for regrowth are critical follow-up steps when controlling oriental bittersweet:

Plant Competitive Native Species

Plant aggressive native vines, grasses, or groundcovers
Trumpet honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, ferns, and switchgrass are good choices

Monitor and Remove Regrowth

Inspect removal sites regularly, especially in spring
Quickly cut and treat any new sprouts

Avoid Spreading Seeds and Plant Parts

Bag and dispose of any vine sections with berries
Clean equipment, footwear, and clothing after removal work

Prevent Reintroduction

Do not plant Oriental Bittersweet and avoid bringing in infested mulch or soil
Pull young seedlings to prevent reestablishment

Persistent monitoring and maintenance will provide the best defense against Oriental Bittersweet returning after removal. Stay vigilant for any regrowth.

Common Questions about Oriental Bittersweet Removal

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does Oriental Bittersweet take to die after cutting?

Vines decline after 2-4 weeks but the extensive root systems can keep plants alive for 1-3 years. Repeated cuttings are needed to fully kill Oriental Bittersweet.

Can I just pull down vines from trees and structures?

Pulling down vines provides only short-term control. For effective removal, cut vines first, then carefully detach and dispose of the unrooted lengths.

What is the best method for Oriental Bittersweet removal?

Cutting vines then applying herbicide to the cut stems is most effective. Manual digging, tarping, and follow-up foliar herbicides also help deplete root reserves. Using multiple methods is best.

How do I dispose of cut Oriental Bittersweet vines?

Leave cut vines onsite to decompose if no berries are present. To prevent spread, remove and bag berries then dispose of berry-bearing vines through burning, burying, or landfilling.

When is the best time to remove Oriental Bittersweet?

Removal can be done year-round but late summer/early fall is ideal for controlling root reserves. Avoid late spring when resources mobilize for maximum growth.

How long does it take to eradicate Oriental Bittersweet from an area?

Depending on the extent of infestation, complete removal typically takes 2-5 years of repeated cutting and monitoring to fully deplete root reserves. Persistence is key.

Conclusion

Controlling invasive oriental bittersweet takes diligence and hardy persistence due to its aggressive nature. Proper identification, effective removal methods, herbicide application, and vigilant monitoring can all help deplete root reserves and eradicate oriental bittersweet from an area over time. Combining manual and chemical controls while preventing reintroduction will provide the best results in gaining the upper hand against this aggressive invader. With dedication over time, Oriental Bittersweet can be overcome.

Heading 1: How to Identify Oriental Bittersweet

Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is an invasive, deciduous woody vine that is becoming increasingly problematic across many regions of North America. Accurately identifying oriental bittersweet is the first step toward removing and controlling this aggressive invader. Here are the key traits to look for:

Growth Habit

Up to 60 feet long
Climbs rapidly over other plants and structures
Twines tightly around stems and branches
Forms dense blankets that smother other vegetation
Dies back to the roots each winter then regrows vigorously in spring

Leaves

Alternate, rounded, glossy leaves with finely toothed margins
2-5 inches long
Turn bright yellow in autumn before dropping

Stems

Long, flexible, twining stems
Young stems light green, maturing to brown
Older bark tan and papery with longitudinal peelings

Flowers and Fruit

Clusters of small greenish-white flowers in spring
Drupes (berries) develop along the vine’s length by late summer
Each fruit capsule contains 1-2 orange seeds

Growing Conditions

Tolerates full sun to full shade
Thrives in disturbed areas, forest edges, fencerows
Invades woodlands, fields, roadsides, streambanks

Oriental bittersweet’s aggressive climbing growth, ability to thrive in poor soils, and prolific fruiting make it a highly invasive plant across a wide range of habitats. Learning to accurately spot it is crucial for successful identification.

Heading 2: Techniques for Removing Oriental Bittersweet Vines

Once oriental bittersweet has been positively identified, swift and thorough removal is required to control this aggressive invader. Here are some key techniques for effective removal:

Cutting Vines

Cut all vines at ground level to remove climbing lengths
Use loppers, hand saws, or chainsaws depending on vine diameter
Cutting prevents flowering, fruit production, and spread

Manual Uprooting

After cutting, uproot and remove rooted sections where possible
Use a sturdy fork or pry bar to lift vines from structures
Dig out larger rooted areas by hand or with a shovel

Herbicide Application

Apply glyphosate or triclopyr herbicide to cut stem surfaces
Use a small brush or spray bottle for precise application
Follow label directions closely to avoid non-target damage

Repeated Monitoring and Removal

Expect resprouting from remaining root systems
Monitor sites regularly and remove any new growth
Persistence is key over several years to exhaust root reserves

Vigilant monitoring and follow-up removal efforts will provide