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Is Oriental bittersweet illegal in North Carolina?
Sources (3)
Also called: Asian bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Oriental bittersweet is not listed.
What North Carolina's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C noxious weed | Celastrus orbiculatus | Oriental bittersweet | Legally regulated — restrictions apply |
Effective dates
- The official list entry does not state a separate effective date for this species. See the linked law for when the listing took effect.
Already have it in your yard?
Noxious-weed rules can require control or restrict moving the plant (including soil, seed and cuttings). Check the exact wording above and the linked law.
Native alternatives for North Carolina
- American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
Each is recorded as native to North Carolina in the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database state distribution (retrieved 2026-10-14). Check size, sun and soil fit for your site with your local Extension office.
More native swaps with hardiness, light and size →
Oriental bittersweet in other states
Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Maine Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New York Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia Washington Wisconsin
See every plant on North Carolina's invasive & noxious plant lists, or check any plant.
Not legal advice. PlantLegit summarizes official lists and links the source. Laws change, local (county/city) rules may add restrictions, and the official text controls. "What it means" is our plain-English label; read the exact list wording. Confirm with the agency before buying, selling or removing plants. Full disclaimer.