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northern bush honeysuckle

Scientific Name: Diervilla lonicera

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IN (northern bush-honeysuckle), TN (northern bush-

       

Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

The Northern Bush Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Diervilla lonicera, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.).

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant spreads aggressively by lateral suckering roots, potentially leading to a widespread presence in gardens.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Diervilla lonicera Mill.
  • Common Names: Northern Bush Honeysuckle, Low Bush Honeysuckle, Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, Yellow-flowered Upright Honeysuckle
  • Synonyms: Diervilla diervilla (L.) MacMill.
  • Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family), sometimes referred to as Diervillaceae.
  • Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; Possible Subspecies
  • Symbol: DILO

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the northeastern United States and Canada.
  • Found in eastern parts of North America, from Quebec south to Alabama.
  • Grows naturally in dry, poor soils, mountain woodlands, bluffs, stream banks, and road banks.
  • Adapted to dry, well-drained soil and considered drought-tolerant.
  • Habitat includes dry open woods.

Ecological Role

  • Spreads aggressively by lateral suckering roots, which might be considered invasive in some contexts.
  • Suitable for revegetation projects.
  • Provides habitat for pollinators, butterflies, and birds.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Deciduous shrub, growing to 1-3 feet high and up to 4 feet wide. Reaches about 1 meter (3ft 3in) in height and width.
  • Mound-shaped.
  • Blooms during the summer (July to August) with small clusters of tubular yellow flowers found in leaf axils.
  • Dense, dark green foliage that turns yellow-orange, then red to purple in the autumn. Color more dramatic with sun exposure.
  • Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptical.
  • Exfoliating bark reveals orange inner bark.
  • Stems are round.
  • Has a medium growth rate.

Quirky Facts

  • While named Northern Bush Honeysuckle, it is not a true honeysuckle, as true honeysuckles belong to the Lonicera genus.
  • Native bush honeysuckles are uncommon and have solid piths in their stems, unlike its relatives.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts pollinators, butterflies, and birds.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Encyclopedia of Life