Common Caragana vs American Bittersweet - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs American Bittersweet

Caragana arborescens

Celastrus scandens

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Caragana
American Bittersweet

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

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.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Flowers: small white clusters
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia