What Are the Dangers of Honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle's sweet fragrance makes it an appealing plant for arbors and hedgerows but it can spread rapidly. Some parts of certain honeysuckle species have been deemed edible but other parts are poisonous to humans.

Berries

Berries from honeysuckle plants are toxic to humans and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Flowers

The flower of Japanese honeysuckle is said to be sweet and edible and is sometimes parboiled to be eaten as a vegetable. The nectar is also consumed by some individuals as a sweetener.

Other Plant Parts

According to Nature's Herbal, Japanese honeysuckle buds are made into syrup and the stems have been used in alternative medicine.

Medicinal Attributes

The Japanese honeysuckle has been used in Asia for its believed properties as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It has also been used to treat hypertension. However, there are no scientific studies that back up any of these claims.

Warnings

Any plant, including honeysuckle, must be positively identified before any part of it is consumed or used in cooking. There are several varieties of honeysuckle and not all of them have edible plant material.

References

• Nature's Herbal
• Garden Guides
• Earth Notes