Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Arnold Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Arnold Hawthorn

Lonicera caerulea Borealis

Crataegus arnoldiana

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry)
Arnold Hawthorn

Borealis Haskap is a popular variety due to its great-tasting, sweet-tart berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Borealis Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

It has strong fruit holds and is not very firm so it does not do well when handled by equipment. This variety is a favourite for home gardens and U-Picks.

For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.

Borealis Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.

Arnold Hawthorn is a low-branched tree favored by wildlife and landscapers. This tree's beautiful white flowers and bright red berries make it an attractive ornamental in anyone's yard. Arnold Hawthorn is also used in windbreaks and riparian planting.

Despite its thorns, Arnold Hawthorn is a popular choice of food and shelter for deer and birds. Humans can also eat these berries fresh or preserved, but Arnold Hawthorn will not have high yields until it matures at 5-8 years.

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Arnold Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: gray to brown
Flowers: white
Berries: berries are large; berries are similar to blueberries but larger and have a taste between raspberry and blueberry; ready for harvest at the end of June
Berries: red pomes about 1 cm in diameter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: borealis honeyberry, haskap, honeyberry