How to Identify Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle in full bloom.

Honeysuckle, a plant native to temperate parts of Europe, is often found as a deciduous shrub, but it is available in vine forms as well as evergreen bushes. The plant is hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, promptly suited for the mid-to-southern half of the United States, as well as parts of England and Ireland. Honeysuckle was given its name due to the distinctive lemon fragrance that emerges from the pastel blooms and dominates the air in early spring. In warmer climates, such as hardiness zones 7 through 9, the honeysuckle shrub will flower in early winter as well.

Things You'll Need

• Honeysuckle bush or vine

Instructions

1. 

   The honeysuckle leaf.

   Pluck a leaf from the bush or vine and examine its specific characteristics. Look for an oval shape that is commonly 5cm from one tip to the other. Some forms of Honeysuckle are longer, yet they never exceed 10cm. Notice the rich green tones that do not resemble bright or mellow yellow hues. The leaf itself has the smooth texture of rubber; however, the leaf is neither glossy nor thick.

2. 

   A cluster of honeysuckle berries.

   Remove a cluster of berries from the bush once they have matured in early summer. Notice the strong red tones of the berries as they sit tightly positioned together in groups of two to eight, depending on the cultivar. The berries are nearly the size of a jelly bean and have a slightly oval shape on some variations, such as the marrow honeysuckle.

3. 

   Honeysuckle blooms in various shades.

   Remove a single bloom to evaluate its specific properties. Notice the distinguished trumpet shape of the bloom. See the long and slender form that results in a dainty blossom of cream-white, light pink and pale yellow tones. Other hues, such as purple, are also seen; however, the honeysuckle plant keeps mostly pastel tones. Recognize the four or five petals that create an open star shape, bringing contrast to the yellow center that produces nectar for hummingbirds.

References

• Druidry.org: Honeysuckle
• all-creaters.org: Marrow honeysuckle