Arnold Hawthorn vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Arnold Hawthorn vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

Crataegus arnoldiana

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NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

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Illini Hardy Blackberry
Arnold Hawthorn

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

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.

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Arnold Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: gray to brown
Flowers: white
Berries: black
Berries: red pomes about 1 cm in diameter
Flavor: medium
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: illinois blackberry