Decorate with Care: No Invasive Species

When decorating for the holidays, be sure to avoid using invasive species.  The Connecticut Department of Energy andEnvironmental Protection reminds state residents that the attractive Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), formerly used in wreath making and other holiday decorations, is an invasive species.  A 2004 state law prohibits selling or moving invasive species.  People who find Oriental bittersweet for sale in Connecticut are asked to contact Connecticut's Invasive Plant Coordinator, Logan Senack, at 860-208-3900.

Oriental bittersweet fruits are red with a yellow outer covering. Although very colorful, this plant is highly invasive and should not be used in holiday decorations. Photo by Les Mehrhoff, IPANE.