American Bittersweet vs Round Leaf Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Round Leaf Hawthorn

Celastrus scandens

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

American Bittersweet
Round Leaf Hawthorn

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.

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans

Foliage: round, serrated
Flowers: small white clusters
Flowers: showy white
Fruit: small red berries
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE