Bittersweet could be a couple of plants but since I see Nightshade further downin the list then I think I can presume that Celastrus scandens is intended.
Turning again to the A.M.A. Hand Book of Poisonous and Injurious Plants here is what they say about this native climbing vine. Note the language that is used. 'The fruit is reputed to be poisonous; all parts of this plant may be toxic.' Note 'reputed' and 'may'. Then, 'The toxin is unknown. Two alkaloids of undetermined structure were reported in Celastrus paniculata in India'. Wait a minute. I thought we were talking about our native plant not some relative on a different continent.
Finally: ' Ingestion is reputed (one more reputed) to cause emesis and diarrhea. No detailed cases of human intoxication have been reported.' So why is it in your book? And why are we talking about it?
The revised edition of the Handbook includes Oriental Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus along with our native vine with the same non-toxic assessment.
I have my own warning to gardeners. You will find it difficult to obtain the native plant even if it is labelled as such, as most garden centres offer only the oriental form. Albeit unwittingly. It is right through the industry. The Oriental Bittersweet has become naturalised and hybridizes readily with our native vine. The native plant might well become extinct and be replaced by the cross-breed. The 2007 Handbook has a photograph of the two species side by side to help in their identification; but a photo' labelled ' Celastrus scandens, fruiting branch.' is I believe, actually of Celastrus orbiculatus.
The common name is quite apt. The mature fruit is a yellow capsule that opens to reveal a bright red pulpy aril which has a taste that seems to alternate in the mouth; both bitter and sweet.
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