Bittersweet Sky/ Sky Watch

American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) with a beautiful clear blue sky as a backdrop.

The reason I included the botanical name is because this innocent vine is often confused with oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), which gives this one a BAD name. The oriental variety -- though almost as beautiful as the native vine -- is invasive and sometimes even kills trees. The two look a lot alike, but the invasive variety usually has leaves that are more pointed yellower husks whereas the native is more orangey.

Both bittersweets are beautiful in fall arrangements, the reason the Oriental variety was planted in North America in the first place. However, if you use the Oriental variety make sure that when you toss them out you dispose of them where they will not sprout.

Shiny green leaves in spring turn yellow in fall, then fall off leaving orange berries loved by many birds such as bluebirds and robins. However, the berries are poisonous to humans.

To join in the Sky Watch fun, which features skies from all around the globe, visit the Sky Watch blog at http://skyley.blogspot.com