Lonicera dioica (Glaucous Honeysuckle, Limber Honeysuckle, Mountain Honeysuckle, Red Honeysuckle, Smooth-leaved Honeysuckle) - 5 Photos - Lonicera/dioica/Caprifoliaceae - Plant Profile

Attributes

Lonicera dioica was used by Native Americans to treat fever, tuberculosis, menstrual difficulties, kidney stones, dysuria, venereal disease, and worms and as a cathartic, diuretic, and an emetic.

Country Or Region Of Origin:

North America

Distribution:

throughout Canada and the United States, except in the West and Southwest.

Wildlife Value:

Birds enjoy the fruits. Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Woody

Recommended Propagation Strategy:

Seed

Stem Cutting

Layering

Play Value:

Wildlife Food Source

Attracts Pollinators

Attractive Flowers

Climbing Method:

Twining

Fruit

Fruit Description:

Round to oval, bright red to orange-red berries are ¼ to ½ inch long and grow in clusters surrounded by joined upper leaves. There are 3 to 8 ovoid yellow seeds in each berry. Cold-moist stratification is necessary for germination. The optimum temperature for germination should be 86 degrees F daytime and 68 degrees F at night.

Fruit Type:

Berry

Fruit Color:

Red/Burgundy

Orange

Fruit Value To Gardener:

Showy

Fruit Length:

< 1 inch

Fruit Width:

< 1 inch

Flowers

Flower Description:

Red, tubular flowers with yellow stamens are arranged in whorls at the end of branches. Flowers are ½ to 1 inch long, with a long, slender tube and 2 lips, the upper broad with 4 lobes and the lower narrow. There are 5 hairy stamens with pale tips and a long, slender, hairy style with a dome-shaped stigma at the tip.

Flower Color:

Purple/Lavender

Gold/Yellow

Red/Burgundy

Orange

Flower Inflorescence:

Spike

Cyme

Flower Value To Gardener:

Showy

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring