Two blog friends weighed in on this phenomenon and I think they are both right. Vee noted, "I didn't know that there could be such a thing as a bittersweet tree." I believe she's right about that. Bernideen offered this explanation: "It is a vine and probably grew up into the tree." And I think she's right, too.
This article explains a lot about bittersweet: Bittersweet: Friend or Foe?, and this one: American Bittersweet vs. Invasive Oriental Vines is even more informative.
Here are a few more pictures of the tree (or trees):
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| A closer look. See the vines? |
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| At the base of the tree -- more vines and bittersweet. But I wonder about those darker red berries at the left, right up next to the tree trunk. They look like something completely different! |
Yes, looks can be deceiving. And, as much as I love bittersweet, I would not plant it in my yard. Too invasive and it eventually kills trees.
ReplyDeleteI guess the native bittersweet is not supposed to be invasive, but the Oriental type is. Not sure I would chance it in any case, but at least we both have our sources!
DeleteOh - the mystery is solved. It is sooooo beautiful. I hope my plants get growing for the future. Who knows how long it took to grow all the way up in that tree?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how long that might have taken. I'm trying to think back to when I first noticed the berries -- probably a couple of years ago. I guess maybe before that I was just too busy to notice.
DeleteOh, and YOU helped solve the mystery, Bernideen!
DeleteIt is a beauty ♥
ReplyDeleteIsn't it, Summer? So pretty.
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