As the berries of Oriental bittersweet vines ripen, they display a pleasing golden husk, while their leaves begin turning a greenish yellow. Soon afterwards, the husk will burst to reveal an orange seed, and the yellow of the fall foliage will deepen to gold. Of course, this color display is insufficient compensation for the damage Oriental bittersweet vines cause to our trees. Still, this is one invasive plant that one must constantly remind oneself to dislike, so compelling is its autumn beauty.


_{Photo ©2005 David Beaulieu (licensed to About, Inc.)}