Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
Courtesy Julie Makin, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Summary
Planting honeysuckle can be a tricky proposition for the native plant gardener, as so many of the most commonly sold varieties are non-native and highly invasive. However, you can plant Diervilla lonicera with confidence! This kaleidoscopic native shrub’s foliage is coppery on first emergence. It turns bright green as the season progresses, and fall color starts off as yellowish-orange, maturing to reddish- purple. The sunnier the spot, the more dramatic the color will be. This easy, fast-growing, suckering plant is a top choice for erosion control on steep banks.
Gardener’s note: Native honeysuckles have a solid stem, while invasive non-natives have a hollow stem.
More Details
FAMILY
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle)
BLOOM TIME
June-July
FLOWER
yellow
MATURE SIZE
3 - 4 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun to part shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
Dry to moist, well drained
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
The nectar of the flowers attract many bees (bumble bees in particular) as well as butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. It’s a host plant for a species of clearwing hummingbird moth and the laurel sphinx moth. The fruit capsules are desirable to many songbirds from autumn through winter. For best fruit production, plant two or three plants.