American bittersweet is a twining vine with alternate leaves that are ovate, glossy, and toothed. In early summer it produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers. On female plants, highly ornamental, nonedible bright red berries are produced at the branch tips. Each berry emerges from a three-valved orange capsule, which is persistent. It is found in oak savannas, dune areas, and scrambling among rocks throughout eastern and central North America. Songbirds are fond of the fruit. This species faces two problems in its native habitat. One is over-picking of the fruit-laden branches for floral arrangments. The other is that another species from Asia, Celastrus orbiculatus, has become invasive in much the same habitats. They are difficult to distinguish, but the Asian species has more abundant fruit all along the branches while the American species fruits only in terminal clusters. Regardless of the species, do not pick American bittersweet from the wild or discard the seeds as you may be helping to spread the invasive species.