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

Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Arnold Hawthorn

Lonicera caerulea Aurora

Crataegus arnoldiana

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry)
Arnold Hawthorn

Aurora Haskap is considered one of the top Haskap varieties, known for its excellent flavour and lower acidity, resulting in a sweeter taste. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Aurora Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.

It produces high yields of large berries and the upright growth habit makes it suitable for mechanical harvesting. The berries are easily seen on the bush, making them easy to pick.

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.

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

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.

Aurora 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: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: gray to brown
Flowers: white
Berries: blue, oblong
Berries: red pomes about 1 cm in diameter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: aurora honeyberry, haskap, honeyberry