Management of Destructive Invasive Vines

Oriental bittersweet invades open environments, forested areas, beaches and
agricultural fields. Left untreated, it can rapidly become the dominant
vegetation as it twines and wraps nearby plants, restricting nutrient and water
flow. This weakens neighbouring plants, making them more susceptible to wind
and ice damage, potentially leading to death. Their vines create dense shade,
reducing light for plants lying underneath and vines creeping onto agricultural
fields can smother crops. Oriental bittersweet also threatens sensitive animal
habitats and other delicate terrains , such as sand dunes and
beaches, where plant species are more susceptible to damage.
Its bright red fruit appears from August to February, which
provides a food source for birds and small mammals and
creates a way for the plant’s seeds to travel to other regions.
Oriental bittersweet is also planted by humans as a decorative
plant due to its fast-growing nature and bright red fruit.