Invasive species
Some my observations of Oriental Bittersweet on iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&subview=table&taxon_id=64540&user_id=ronseman-indianaduneshiking&verifiable=any\
A GREAT article on Oriental Bittersweet: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/oriental_bittersweet_an_aggressive_invasive_plant
'Someone should produce a horror flick about how Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) can single-handedly strangle neighboring mature trees if left to its own devices. This woody vine grows rapidly and has a twining nature that clings to anything going up or down. It can easily climb trees up to 90 feet tall. As the plant grows in diameter, it literally chokes or girdles other plants that it is clinging to. Its rate of spread is a bit like a Jack-in-the-bean-stalk fairy tale and it has been observed covering half-acre wood lots in just seven to 10 years. Between the girdling growth habit and sheer weight, whole canopies of a forest can tumble down during the growing season or an ice storm.'
Oriental Bittersweet is from China, Japan, and Korea.
https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/OrientalBittersweetBCP.pdf
On Wikipedia:
TEXT BELOW FROM WEBSITE ABOVE
Don’t Plant: Chinese Silver Grass
You’ve probably seen Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) in landscaping around parking lots or office buildings. This grass is chosen by landscapers for its size and showy elegance. However, with its vigorous roots and rhizomes, Chinese Silver Grass is an aggressive invasive that spreads into disturbed areas in huge clumps. It is extremely flammable and increases the risk of wildfire.
Native Alternative: Switchgrass - CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FIRST!
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is one of the most valuable native grasses, and a no-brainer alternative to Chinese Silver Grass. With a root system that grows nearly as deep as the the plant is tall, Switchgrass roots holds soil in place, preventing erosion caused by run-off and flooding. With its plentiful small seeds and tall cover, Switchgrass offers a quality nesting place for birds.
1.3.23