Fly Honeysuckle

(Lonicera xylosteum)

Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lonicera xylosteum, commonly known as Fly Honeysuckle or Dwarf Honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub native to forest edges, scrub, and rocky slopes in Europe, Western Asia, and the Caucasus region. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) and a width of 10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters). The shrub has a bushy, spreading habit with arching branches. Its small, paired flowers are cream, yellow, and white, blooming in late spring to early summer, and are modestly showy. The flowers are followed by red berries that are attractive to birds but are considered poisonous to humans.

Fly Honeysuckle is valued for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its use as a hedge or in mixed shrub borders. It is also planted for wildlife attraction and as an informal screen. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, though it performs best in well-drained soils. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and honeysuckle aphids. Due to its potential invasiveness when grown outside its native range, gardeners should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-10 feet
  • Width: 10-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to forest edges, scrub, and rocky slopes in Europe, Western Asia, and the Caucasus region

Other Names

Common Names: Fly Woodbine, European Fly Honeysuckle, Fly Honeysuckle, European Fly-Honeysuckle, Dunet Gedeblad, Rote Heckenkirsche, Camérisier À Balais, Clématite Des Haies, Camérisier, Chèvrefeuille Des Haies

Scientific Names: , Lonicera xylosteum, Lonicera leiophylla, Caprifolium dumetorum, Caprifolium xylosteum, Chamaecerasus dumetorum, Chamaecerasus xylosteum, Euchylia villosa, Lonicera cotinifolia, Lonicera dumetorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Lonicera xylosteum L.