Arnold Hawthorn vs American Bittersweet - TreeTime.ca

Arnold Hawthorn vs American Bittersweet

Crataegus arnoldiana

Celastrus scandens

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Arnold Hawthorn
American Bittersweet

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.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Arnold Hawthorn Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: gray to brown
Flowers: white
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: red pomes about 1 cm in diameter
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB