Italian Honeysuckle, Italian woodbine

Lonicera caprifolium

Physical Characteristics

Lonicera caprifolium is a deciduous Climber growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Austria and Czechoslovakia to Romania and Turkey. Introduced in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea The fruit is eaten in small quantities[177]. It is probably cooked first[K]. An infusion of the heavily perfumed flowers is used as a tea substitute[7].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Bach Cathartic Diuretic Emetic Emollient Expectorant Laxative Pectoral Skin Vulnerary The fruit is emetic and cathartic[4]. The pressed juice makes a mild purgative[7, 61]. The leaves and flowers are antispasmodic, emollient and expectorant[7]. They are used as a cutaneous and mucous tonic and as a vulnerary[4]. Recent research has shown that the plant has an outstanding curative action in cases of colitis[7]. The seed is diuretic[4]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Dwelling upon thoughts of the past', 'Nostalgia' and 'Homesickness'[209].

Known Hazards

None known