"American bittersweet is a vigorous deciduous, perennial vine that grows 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 m.) tall. It is native to central and eastern North America. They produce yellowish-green flowers that bloom in spring, but the flowers are plain and uninteresting compared to the berries that follow. As the flowers fade, orange-yellow capsules appear.

In late fall and winter, the capsules open at the ends to display the bright red berries inside. The berries remain on the plant well into winter, brightening winter landscapes and attracting birds and other wildlife. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans"