American Bittersweet vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Bitternut Hickory

Celastrus scandens

Carya cordiformis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bittersweet
Bitternut Hickory

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.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans

Bark: ridged, durable
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Nuts: bitter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: swamp hickory