Chinese Bittersweet seeds, Celastrus angulatus. flowing vine

Celastrus angulatus — Chinese Bittersweet — is a vigorous, deciduous twining shrub vine from the mountain thickets and slopes of China (1,000–2,500 m elevation). It climbs rapidly with angular, dark-brown branches densely covered in prominent white lenticels. Small greenish flowers appear in May–June in paniculate clusters, giving way to the plant’s true ornamental feature: globose yellow capsules that split to reveal brilliant bright-red arils — striking, long-lasting ornamental fruit that is excellent for cutting and dried arrangements. A honey bee forage plant and traditionally valued medicinal species. Can reach up to 60 feet. Minimum hardiness Zone 5.

⚠️ Caution: Celastrus angulatus is a poisonous plant. All parts should be considered toxic. Keep away from children and pets. This species is vigorous and can become invasive in some regions — plant responsibly and check local invasive plant lists before planting.

Plant Highlights

• Brilliant red-ariled yellow capsules — stunning ornamental fruit for cutting and dried arrangements
• Fast-growing vigorous twining climber — up to 60 feet; excellent for trellises, fences, and structures
• Small greenish flowers in May–June; valued honey bee forage plant
• Traditionally used medicinal plant in Chinese herbalism
• Distinctive angular dark-brown branches with prominent white lenticels — interesting winter structure
• Minimum hardiness: Zone 5

Germination Guide

1. Pre-soak: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
2. Cold stratification: Cold-moist stratify for 90 days (mix with moist sand or peat in a sealed bag in the refrigerator).
3. Sow: After stratification, sow 1/16 inch deep. Tamp soil firmly. Mulch the seed bed lightly.

Germination rate: 99% | Purity: 97% | Test type: Cut test | Seeds collected from: NY

Care Guide

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types with reasonable drainage.

Support: Provide a strong trellis, fence, or structure — this vine climbs vigorously to 60 feet.

Pruning: Prune in late winter to manage size and shape. Monitor spread carefully.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Chinese Bittersweet, Ku Pi Teng
• Botanical name: Celastrus angulatus Maxim.
• Family: Celastraceae
• Type: Deciduous twining shrub vine
• Bloom: Small greenish flowers, May–June | Fruit: Yellow capsules with bright red arils — ornamental
• Height: Up to 60 feet | Min. Zone: 5
• Collection locale: NY | Germination: 99% | Purity: 97%
• Bee forage: Yes | Medicinal: Traditional use
• Sowing: Pre-soak 24 hrs + 90-day cold stratification; sow 1/16 inch deep
• ⚠️ Toxic: All parts. Potentially invasive — check local lists.