Why Do You Promote Bittersweet, An Invasive That Devastates Gardens And Woodlands?

Question

I once bought Bittersweet at an urban Chicago garden center to plant in my Chicago backyard. It quickly managed to attack nearby trees. I tried to eradicate it. Later I moved to Rhode Island and soon learned it’s amazing ability to devastate woodlands. Vines on my property eventually get to be SIX INCHES thick and easily strangle and pull down trees. Nothing else can grow (except maybe golden rod and invasive roses which can’t support the vines). Please remove this awful plant from your list of plants for sale.

Answer 1

All plants have the capacity to become invasive in the right environment. It would be very unfair to those in areas that it does not become invasive if we did not include information on the subject.

Responsibility falls upon each individual to be sure that what you intend to plant in the area is not invasive, blacklisted, or otherwise illegal in the area. Not doing diligent research beforehand could cause one to accrue fines or worse.

Now for those that find the plant invasive in the area, we have articles for eradication, as well, to be fair to all gardeners.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bittersweet/oriental-bittersweet-control.htm

Answer 2

We don't sell anything so we are not selling the plant. We do provide growing information for those who choose to grow it or who just want to identify it. The plant is native to the U.S. and is food for wildlife. However, we note at the bottom of the article it is considered a noxious weed in some areas and should be avoided or controlled in those places.

The oriental bittersweet article is mainly on eradication.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bittersweet/growing-bittersweet-vines.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bittersweet/oriental-bittersweet-control.htm