For all their autumn splendor, Oriental bittersweet vines eventually become massive and engulf trees, causing them significant harm. That's the bad news in North America (where Oriental bittersweet is considered an invasive species), and in my article on Oriental bittersweet vines, I mention how to get rid of this menace. But you can enjoy the alluring qualities of Oriental bittersweet vines without growing them, at all: simply substitute with American bittersweet, which is quite harmless and available at many nurseries.

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