Bittersweet in Backbone State Park

Oriental bittersweet is an invasive species native to China, Japan and Korea. It first made its appearance in the United States around 1860. Individuals often cut the fruit stems from the bittersweet to be used as a decoration. Unfortunately, this causes the bittersweet plant to spread. The vine thrives by wrapping around the trunks of trees which eventually constricts the nutrients causing the tree to slowly die.

• What is needed for a plant to survive? 

• What happens when a plant cannot distribute nutrients to its extremities? 
• Are invasive species bad? Why or why not? 
• What causes the invasive species to continually reproduce?

Students could:

• Discuss how to identify if a species is invasive or not prior to reviewing the photos. 
• Take a trip to the state park if they’re in the area or look at other places where bittersweet grows. 
• Research other invasive species in their area. 

• Trees Forever | Learn About Invasive Species Like Oriental Bittersweet: Backbone natives talk the viewers through the vine that has taken over the state park.
• River City Reader | What Has Wandered Into Backbone State Park?: The groundskeepers speak on how they have tried to slow the spread with chemicals. Landowners struggle to revive and maintain the land.
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Invasive Plants: This source by the DNR lists several other invasive plants that reside in Iowa.