The immature fruits of American Bittersweet are noticeable by mid-summer, but their glory occurs in mid- to late autumn, when the capsules break and the foliage has abscised, revealing scarlet seeds that are contrasted against the yellow-orange inner surfaces of the fruits (similar to species of Euonymus which have showy fruits, also members of the Staff-Tree Family). Female plants of American Bittersweet are prized for their contributions to dried arrangements.