Celastrus, commonly known as staff vine, staff tree or bittersweet, is a genus in the family Celastraceae which comprises about 30-40 species of shrubs and vines. They have a wide distribution in East Asia, Australasia, Africa, and the Americas. The leaves are alternate and simple, ovoid, and typically 5–20 cm long.

Why is it called bittersweet?

It was given the name bittersweet by colonists in the 18th century because the fruits resembled the appearance of the fruits of common nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), which was also called bittersweet.

Where did Oriental bittersweet come from?

Oriental bittersweet is an invasive, non-native vine that is native to China, Japan and Korea. It was introduced into the United States around 1860 as an ornamental plant. Its fruiting stems are cut in fall and used for decoration, which unfortunately facilitates its spread.