Bitter Sweet Vines...

[Kahana-ri]

I have a cluster of Bitter Sweet Vines growing between us and our neighbors. Our neighbors don't like it climbing on the fence and I was about to try to kill it, but reading more online the vine seems desired in some places. I do like the berry's it produces come fall. Since the vine came with our house, four years ago I have always been indifferent. Now that the neighbors find it a nuisance, I almost feel compelled to keep it since I have learned its not just a weed. Anyone actually plant it on purpose? Does anyone know if I can maybe 'maintain' its wild ways?

 

[UrsulasShadow]

American bittersweet is desirable. Oriental bittersweet is a noxious weed. Both are pretty, with ornamental berries (with the oriental having more berries than its American cousin). Unfortunately, due to the introduction of the oriental, it has all but eliminated any room for the native vine. I think it has something to do with the proliferation of berries on the invader...they simply out-compete our native vine. I can almost guarantee the one you have is the oriental sort. If you keep it, just be aware that you are allowing it to proliferate throughout the region. Not the end of the world, and not quite as noxious as kudzu, but like all invasive species, it does have an impact on its environment.