Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Witch Hazel - TreeTime.ca

Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Lonicera caerulea Aurora

Witch Hazel
Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry)

Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, or small tree, with a short trunk, bearing numerous spreading, crooked branches.

The seeds grow in a long, wooden pod with two to four seeds per pod. Upon ripening, the pods burst, firing the seeds up to 30km an hour.

The leaf and bark extract of Witch Hazel has been used as a remedy to common ailments such as inflammation, bruises and much more for many centuries.

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.

Witch Hazel Quick Facts

Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Berries: blue, oblong
Seeds: seeds ejected to a distance of up to 30 ft
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: aurora honeyberry, haskap, honeyberry