Bittersweet 1

Historically, American Bittersweet was used by Native Americans for food and medicinal purposes. Native Americans also used it in decorations, and it is still commonly used in dry flower arrangements and for winter decor.  It was given the name bittersweet by colonists in the 18th century because the fruits resembled the appearance of the fruits of common nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), which was also called bittersweet.