From Invader to wall decor

This time of year reminds me why my mother would PURPOSELY plant an invasive species in our yard. As the days get colder, the lovely Celastrus scandens, known here as Bittersweet, produces orange berries and begins to look truly beautiful. But as some of you may know, bittersweet is every BUT beautiful.

This invasive species came over from Asia and since then as been spreading over across the United States. Like most invasive species, this plant has no predators. It reproduces by fragmentation and by seed. It's growth pattern is that of a vine and a small tree. Once established, the base can look like a small tree trunk, but until then, it grows like a vine, creeping up other plants and structures and taking over. Oh and did I mention it grows underground and creates a networks of roots as well?  Basically it is impossible to eradicate!

This summer, I spent most of my weekends pulling up YARDS of roots that crossed the length of my backyard. I cursed every light green sprout I found because it was never just a sprout! The roots of every new growth shoot spread at least a foot from it's base and always led to more. After speaking with several botanists at local garden centers, I realized that without "hazmat suit" status chemicals that would require several yearly applications, there was nothing I could do but accept this new inhabitant.

I felt like this was a definite "When Life Gives You Lemons" situation.

Harnessing my creative side and complete hatred I had for this plant, I decided to take the twisting tendrils and create a wreath. Halfway through, I changed my mind again and decided a peace sign would be fitting to my current situation.

What I learned:

Invasive species are a problem, but poisoning my family and pets to get rid of a plant is not worth it. Most of the time, there is a reason why invasive species come to be, whether it is the soil sending out a message that it is missing a key component or humans have cleared away too many native species which would have kept out the invasives. In my case I can only blame my mother BUT in places around town where I see bittersweet, it is always in areas where native species have been cleared (along a fences line, on the edge of the woods, around rail road signs etc.). Instead of creating more of an environmental problem by blasting it with herbicides, look for a use for the species. In my case, I made a great wall decoration and plan on making a big wreathe for the front door. I have also tried to look at the positive side of the issue. Although the species is nothing but a nuisance to me it is creating habitat for other species and hidden benefits for others, like shade and protection.

Anyone else suffering from bittersweet invasion? What were your solutions to the problem?