Check this out!!  It is American Bittersweet, Celastrus scandens.  It is a twining, woody vine that can grow to more than 50 feet!!  It can be seen all around our mountains, climbing over (sometimes taking over) the trees.  

 

I've been waiting to get this picture.  The yellow seeds have just started to pop open showing bright red berries!!  Pretty soon the leaves will fall off, and all you see is the vine with bright yellow and red berries:  very festive.  I've seen these vines used in the floral industry, but I don't know how to preserve them so that the berries don't fall off all over the place.  Probably not a good decoration for homes with pets or small children.

 

Be sure to notice Bittersweet on your walks or rides around the neighborhood.  It is beautiful to see out in Nature.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!