American Bittersweet vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Bitternut Hickory

Carya cordiformis

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bitternut Hickory
American Bittersweet

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 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 Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

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


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: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: swamp hickory