“Bringing the outside in” is a popular decorating trend, and autumn is a great time for it, offering many interesting natural materials from which to choose. One fall favorite is bittersweet, with its vibrant orange and yellow berries spread along vines that just beg to be woven into a wreath or swag. But did you know that the Pennsylvania DCNR has classified oriental bittersweet as an invasive plant? (Invasive plants are those that are not native to an area, spread rapidly, and can cause economic or environmental harm or pose a threat to human health).
In the case of bittersweet, birds and other wildlife readily consume the large number of berries, spreading seeds far and wide. Humans also spread the seed through the use of bittersweet vines and berries for craft projects. The plant also spreads through rhizomes and root suckers.
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) can be seen along many hiking trails in the Centre region, but it is not a good companion for trees: The weight of the vines can break branches off, and the vines can girdle and eventually kill trees. As it grows aggressively into the canopy, it shades out valuable natives. Oriental bittersweet has also been shown to hybridize with the native (and much less common) American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), leading to a loss of genetic identity.
So what’s a creative crafter to do? Consider using faux berries among the other natural materials you choose for your fall decor. And if you do use ‘the real thing’, be sure to dispose of the berries in a sealed trash bag when it’s time for a change.
