CLOSED: In Need of Bittersweet

I'm in desperate need of Bittersweet seeds,roots,plants whatever you could spare.I'll pay for postage or look at my have list to see if you want any cutting in trade.I myself DO NOT do well with cuttings.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1619/

Synda,
I don't have any seeds but just wanted to comment on your picture. If that is your kitten, she/he is beautiful! I had a Ragdoll for 18-1/2 years, and he passed in August, but I will never forget him. I also had a Russian Blue which looks like yours.

It's ours when she was little.She is now 7 years old and runs the house,we are the servants and pay the bills....LOL.Her mother left her and I bottle fed her from the time she was 2 weeks old.I know she is a stray,but I always felt she looked like a Russian Blue .Her name is Jack.Thank you for asking.And so sorry for your loss.
Synda

This message was edited Dec 12, 2008 7:34 PM

bump

Hello Synda,

We have tons of bittersweet. It's a troublesome weed around here! I beat it back every year but am pretty much losing the battle. The one good thing about it....in late spring we sometimes see flocks of Cedar Waxwings. I think they might be the only bird that eats this stuff.

As you're probably aware, this plant is either male or female. You will need to grow several plants to ensure you get both sexes if you want to produce berries.

I would love to trade for some cuttings from your flowering quince.

Thank you!

Diandra
(Diane Raymond)

NOT a problem!The Flowering Quince just keeps growing we're always trimming her back.I myself don't do well at all with cuttings,if you possibly have roots or seeds that would be great.I can send you the cuttings now while they are dorment and I can wait if you have roots until THAW or what ever is easiest for you.

Synda

Jumping in to mention that Jung's is selling a self-fertile Bittersweet for 2009. Not my favorite company to deal with, but thought you might want to know that this is available. Berries on a single plant (claims much larger than normal sized berries)

Thank you!

Hi Synda,

I just sent you a d-mail.

Thanks,
Diandra

synda and Diandra, the invasive bittersweet is prohibited in a number of states (NH included). It's probably not a good idea to trade it around the country, it is becoming a serious problem here too. It kills trees by girdling the trunk.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CEOR7

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ceor1.htm


The American bittersweet is becoming hard to find, that's neat there's a new self-fertile one:

http://www.jungseed.com/sp.asp?t=Bittersweet&c=365

http://davesgarden.com/products/ps/go/1619/

Hello Claypa,

Thank you for this information! I didn't know this, but I'm not the least bit surprised.

Synda, I believe we should call off our trade...what do you think? I would hate to be the one to introduce a problem to your area. It really does spread like crazy. Perhaps you can obtain the domesticated version that Claypa and Krowten mention. It is prettier, too.

Diandra

Diandra there is no problen,I'll just order some.Thank you so much for the offer.Never wanted to cause any trouble.I should of specified which one.This is what I've researched for Ohio.I'll close the thread so to not cause any confusion.

Have a Wonderful Holiday,
Synda


"American Bittersweet" is becoming less and less common in OHIO,that is what I'm looking for ! Not the Oriental !

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1619/

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/am_bittersweet.htm
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NOT ----http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1620/

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ceor1.htm

ECOLOGICAL THREAT
Oriental bittersweet is a vigorously growing vine that climbs over and smothers vegetation which may die from excessive shading or breakage. When bittersweet climbs high up on trees the increased weight can lead to uprooting and blow-over during high winds and heavy snowfalls. In addition, Oriental bittersweet is displacing our native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) through competition and hybridization.

*********NOTE: Because Oriental bittersweet can be confused with ***"(our native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) which is becoming less and less common)"***, it is imperative that correct identification be made before any control is begun. American bittersweet produces flowers (and fruits) in single terminal panicles at the tips of the stems; flower panicles and fruit clusters are about as long as the leaves; the leaves are nearly twice as long as wide and are tapered at each end. Oriental bittersweet produces flowers in small axillary clusters that are shorter than the subtending leaves and the leaves are very rounded. Comparing the two, American bittersweet has fewer, larger clusters of fruits whereas Oriental bittersweet is a prolific fruiter with lots and lots of fruit clusters emerging at many points along the stem. Unfortunately, hybrids of the two occur which may make identification more difficult.

DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES
Oriental bittersweet currently occurs in a number of states from New York to North Carolina, and westward to Illinois. It has been reported to be invasive in natural areas in 21 states (CT, DE, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, and WV) and at least 14 national parks in the eastern U.S.

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE PLANTS
Several attractive native vines are available that provide nectar, seed and host plant material for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. These include ****American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)**** which is native to the eastern U.S. and should only be planted in areas where Oriental bittersweet is not well established or has been successfully controlled, to prevent hybridization with the native species.

Synda I thought you were looking for the American plant from the link in your first post, and was afraid you'd wind up with the wrong plant - it is becoming hard to find in the wild, I'm glad to see it's becoming available from more places.
Mike

Thanks Mike,I should of specified.You Have a Wonderful Christmas!