Native Honeysuckle

native honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Plant Characteristics:

  • Duration: Perennial
  • Habitat: Vine
  • Root type: Tap 
  • Size class: 12-36 ft
    • Usually 15-20ft 
  • Flower: 2in long 
  • Fruit: Red-black 
  • Native Habitat: Woodlands, well-drained sand, clay 
  • Bloom time: March-June

Growing Conditions 

  • Light:
    • Sun, Partial Shade
  • Soil:
    • Moisture: Moist
    • Description: various soils but rich preferred. Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay. Both lime and acidic soils are OK
  • Condition comments:
    • Requires light, good air circulation, and adequate drainage to prevent powdery mildew 
    • Some structural assistance may be necessary to help begin climbing 
    • Flowers best when given more sun 
    • Tolerate poor drainage for short periods 
    • Cold tolerant

Benefits:

  • Ornamental: 
    • Good twining vine with prominent blooms for full sun 
    • Flowers attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
      • Special value to Bumble Bees 
    • Fruit attracts quail, purple finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin
    • Medicinal
      • Dried and smoked for asthma
      • Leaves ground by chewing and applied to bee stings 
      • Leaves make a decoction for sore throats and coughs 
    • Conspicuous flowers 
    • Source of Nectar 

Additional uses:

  • Generally considered deer resistant 
  • Do not confuse this plant with Japanese Honeysuckle which is invasive