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Staff vines (Celastrus)
Also known as : Staff trees
Staff vines are a group of shrubs and vines that have small white, pink, or greenish flowers and berries with three valves. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals, but other species are invasive. Many species are often named 'bittersweet' because colonists in the Americas during the 18th century mistook these species as nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), which was also called 'bittersweet.'
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Staff vines
Feedback
Attributes of Staff vines
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Staff vines
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Spindle tree order
Family
Bittersweet
Genus
Staff vines
Distribution of Staff vines
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Distribution Map of Staff vines
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Staff vines
Feedback
Staff vines, also known as bittersweet, is a robust and relatively low-maintenance plant genus, suitable for even novice gardeners. The basic care needs include full to partial sun exposure and well-drained, loamy soil. Overwatering should be avoided as it prefers slightly dry conditions. Staff vines may face challenges such as fungal diseases and pests like scale insects. The plant is tolerant to cold climates but may require additional moisture during dry summer months. Its growth can be prolific and may require frequent pruning especially in spring and early summer.
How to Water Staff vines?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Staff vines?
How to Propagate Staff vines?
How to Plant Staff vines?
Exploring the Staff vines Plants
Feedback
7 most common species：
Oriental bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus is a vine that grows and spreads aggressively and has been deemed an invasive species in many areas. Oriental bittersweet is an opportunistic climber and climbs any available tree or structure. The vine wraps around itself as it climbs, and has been known to completely strangle or ‘girdle’ a mature host tree.
American bittersweet
Bittersweet, american bittersweet, or Celastrus scandens, is a twining vine found growing in rich woodlands. The long trailing vines will grow up trees or sprawl into low-lying bushes. In the fall, the vines are graced with a red berry that appears to be wearing an orange jacket. While the vines and berries have ornamental and decorative uses, they are thought to be toxic to humans.
Christmas oriental bitter-sweet
Interestingly, not one single flower of christmas oriental bitter-sweet (Celastrus punctatus) is known to be female; all known specimens have been identified as male. When fruiting, this plant bursts into shades of red, yellow and brown. Native to the Far East (including China and Japan), it is sometimes used in flower arrangements there.
Celastrus kusanoi
Celastrus kusanoi is a woody vine with a twining growth habit, which allows it to climb and thrive among other vegetation. Its distinctive oval leaves, coupled with small, yellow-green flowers, contribute to its recognition. During autumn, vividly hued fruits add a splash of color to its surroundings, attracting various bird species which aid in seed dispersal. Adapted to temperate climates, this plant is an integral part of its ecosystem.
Black oil plant
Celastrus paniculatus is a woody liana commonly known as black oil plant, climbing staff tree, and intellect tree (Sanskrit: jyotishmati ज्योतीष्मती, Hindi: mal-kangani माल-कांगनी, Chinese: deng you teng 灯油藤). This climbing shrub grows throughout India at elevations up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft). C. paniculatus is a deciduous vine with stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter and 6 m (20 ft) long with rough, pale brown exfoliating bark covered densely with small, elongated lenticles. The leaves are simple, broad, and oval, obovate or elliptic in shape, with toothed margins.
Celastrus stylosus
Celastrus stylosus are a group of shrubs and vines that have small white, pink, or greenish flowers and berries with three valves. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals, but other species are invasive. Many species are often named 'bittersweet' because colonists in the Americas during the 18th century mistook these species as nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), which was also called 'bittersweet.'
Staff vine
Staff vine is a vigorous climbing shrub with flexible, twining branches. Its leaves are broad, elliptical, and finely toothed. In late spring to early summer, staff vine produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by bright, orange-red berries that stand out against the foliage. This splash of color provides vital food for wildlife, and the dense growth habit offers habitats within forest edges and thickets.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Staff vines
Celastrus
Also known as: Staff trees
Staff vines are a group of shrubs and vines that have small white, pink, or greenish flowers and berries with three valves. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals, but other species are invasive. Many species are often named 'bittersweet' because colonists in the Americas during the 18th century mistook these species as nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), which was also called 'bittersweet.'
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Staff vines
Feedback
Attributes of Staff vines
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Staff vines
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Spindle tree order Family
Bittersweet Genus
Staff vines Distribution of Staff vines
Feedback
Distribution Map of Staff vines
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Staff vines
Feedback
Staff vines, also known as bittersweet, is a robust and relatively low-maintenance plant genus, suitable for even novice gardeners. The basic care needs include full to partial sun exposure and well-drained, loamy soil. Overwatering should be avoided as it prefers slightly dry conditions. Staff vines may face challenges such as fungal diseases and pests like scale insects. The plant is tolerant to cold climates but may require additional moisture during dry summer months. Its growth can be prolific and may require frequent pruning especially in spring and early summer.
How to Water Staff vines?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Staff vines?
How to Propagate Staff vines?
How to Plant Staff vines?
Exploring the Staff vines Plants
Feedback
7 most common species：
Oriental bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus is a vine that grows and spreads aggressively and has been deemed an invasive species in many areas. Oriental bittersweet is an opportunistic climber and climbs any available tree or structure. The vine wraps around itself as it climbs, and has been known to completely strangle or ‘girdle’ a mature host tree.
American bittersweet
Bittersweet, american bittersweet, or Celastrus scandens, is a twining vine found growing in rich woodlands. The long trailing vines will grow up trees or sprawl into low-lying bushes. In the fall, the vines are graced with a red berry that appears to be wearing an orange jacket. While the vines and berries have ornamental and decorative uses, they are thought to be toxic to humans.
Christmas oriental bitter-sweet
Interestingly, not one single flower of christmas oriental bitter-sweet (Celastrus punctatus) is known to be female; all known specimens have been identified as male. When fruiting, this plant bursts into shades of red, yellow and brown. Native to the Far East (including China and Japan), it is sometimes used in flower arrangements there.
Celastrus kusanoi
Celastrus kusanoi is a woody vine with a twining growth habit, which allows it to climb and thrive among other vegetation. Its distinctive oval leaves, coupled with small, yellow-green flowers, contribute to its recognition. During autumn, vividly hued fruits add a splash of color to its surroundings, attracting various bird species which aid in seed dispersal. Adapted to temperate climates, this plant is an integral part of its ecosystem.
Show More Species
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
