American bittersweet is a native vine common throughout much of Minnesota on riverbanks, in brushy thickets and along deciduous forest margins. Its growing region stretches from Ontario to Manitoba and south to North Carolina and New Mexico. Bittersweet has neither tendrils nor aerial roots, but climbs by twining its entire stem around the trunk of a tree up to heights of about 30 feet. Green leaves, about 4 inches long, provide heavy cover until mid-autumn when they turn yellow before dropping. The inconspicuous greenish-white flowers can be found in June. On female plants, light orange fruit capsules burst open to display spectacular orange seeds in September. These bright seeds, which grow in clusters, stay on the vines through the winter or until they are eaten by birds including wild turkeys, robins and bluebirds. The branches will remain colorful for months if they are gathered before frost and dried indoors.

American bittersweet has become a popular planting on garden fences, trellises, arches, posts and porches. It is often used for holiday decorations. Never plant a young bittersweet for support, as the twisted stems will grow to be so strong they can kill smaller trees. The vine is vigorous in most well-drained soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade. If you are interested in growing this handsome plant, be sure to grow female and male plants together to ensure that fruit will appear.

Jim Gilbert's Nature Notes are heard on WCCO Radio at 7:15 a.m. Sundays. His observations have been part of the Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendars since 1977, and he is the author of five books on nature in Minnesota. He taught and worked as a naturalist for 50 years.