Honeysuckle Plant Description and Location Guide

Edible Plants - Wild Survival Guide

HONEYSUCKLE

Lonicera involucrata

Other Common Names: Honeysuckle berry, Inkberry

Description: Lonicera: Erect or climbing, bushy shrub 3 dm to 6 m high; leaves opposite, simple; flowers in pairs or small clusters. L. involucrata: Erect, bushy shrub, 1-3 m tall; leaves oblong, smooth above and slightly hairy beneath;

2-3 times longer than wide, coming to a point on both ends; leaf edge fringed with short hairs; light yellow flowers in pairs on a common stalk between leaf and stem; fruit is black.

Location: Lonicera: Throughout North America as far southeast as Texas, growing in moist soil in thickets along streams as well as in open coniferous forests. One species, L. caerulea, is found up to 2700 m.

Season: Blooming period is May through July depending upon species - fruit is available in autumn

Edible: Berry.

Preparation: Mature berries are good raw or dried.

Notes of Interest: Several species are toxic