Diervilla lonicera
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
General
A native member of the honeysuckle family that will tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions, including rocky soils and windy and shaded areas. Provides some food and cover for wildlife. The nectar has a sweet, honey like taste.
Plant Description
A small shrub that grows close to the ground, reaching 1-2’. Long and elliptical pointed leaves. Small yellow and sometimes orange flowers grow in clusters in late spring/early summer. Small, shiny, round red clusters of fruit. Nice red leaves in fall.
Height (ft)
2-4
Spread (ft)
2
Soil moisture
Low
Soil types
Medium to coarse
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Full Shade
Self-Pollinating?
No
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
Summer
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Northeastern United States, extending south along the Appalachian Mountains to North Carolina, and west along the edges of the great lakes to Minnesota.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the leaves have been used as a diuretic, a compound decoction of leaves used for stomach pains. Compound decoction of roots and stems for sore eyes, as a urinary aid and for breast milk supply.