Celastrus consists of rapidly growing deciduous vines, and occasionally evergreen varieties, characterized by their climbing or twining stems. The leaves are arranged alternately, and the flowers are small and greenish, often going unnoticed. These plants produce appealing fruits after flowering, with male and female blooms typically found on different individuals.

Celastrus

Celastrus angulatus

Celastrus australis

Celastrus cassinioides

Celastrus dependens

Celastrus dispermus

Celastrus flagellaris

Celastrus gemmatus is a vigorous deciduous vine that reaches heights of 4 to 5 meters. Its leaves are simple and arranged alternately, featuring an oval shape with serrated edges and a petiole. From April to September, it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that are greenish-yellow in color.

Celastrus gemmatus

Celastrus glaucophyllus

Celastrus glaucophyllus var. rugosus

Celastrus heterophyllus

Celastrus hindsii

Celastrus hirsutus

Celastrus hookeri

Celastrus hypoleucus

Celastrus kusanoi

Celastrus loeseneri

Celastrus loeseneri (f)

Celastrus loeseneri (m)

Celastrus orbiculatus is a vigorous deciduous vine characterized by its rounded foliage that turns a butter-yellow hue in the fall. The flowers are small and greenish, leading to yellow fruits that may burst open to reveal bright scarlet seeds. A hermaphroditic variety exists, allowing for fruit production from a single specimen. This species can reach lengths exceeding 12 meters as it twines and climbs.

Celastrus orbiculatus

Celastrus orbiculatus 'Diana' (f)

Celastrus orbiculatus 'Hercules' (m)

The Hermaphrodite Group consists of robust, deciduous climbers that twine vigorously. The leaves can reach lengths of up to 12 cm, are rounded in shape, and transition to yellow as autumn approaches. While the flowers are not particularly noticeable, the fruits are globular, measuring around 1 cm in diameter, and split open to reveal a yellow interior and bright red seeds.

Celastrus orbiculatus Hermaphrodite Group

Celastrus orbiculatus var. papillosus

Celastrus orbiculatus var. punctatus

Celastrus pyracanthus is a robust shrub, reaching heights of approximately 3 meters. Its arching stems are covered in spiny growth and bear dark green, leathery leaves that can grow up to 3 centimeters in length. The plant produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, which are succeeded by woody fruits that start as cream and mature to a pinkish-red hue.

Celastrus pyracanthus

Celastrus rosthornianus

Celastrus rugosus

Celastrus scandens is a vigorous deciduous vine characterized by its oval-shaped foliage. It produces clusters of small greenish-yellow blooms, which are succeeded by clusters of orange-yellow fruits that eventually split open to reveal bright scarlet seeds.