Twinberry, Twinberry honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

Basic Information

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Genus: lonicera

Plant ID (slug): lonicera-involucrata

Numeric ID: 22383

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Lonicera involucrata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or dried[2, 46, 65, 155]. A pleasant taste[161]. Not tasty enough to be widely sought[212]. The only form we have tried has an incredibly bitter taste[K]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antidandruff Antipruritic Disinfectant Emetic Galactogogue Laxative Ophthalmic Pectoral Poultice Twinberry was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a range of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The bark is disinfectant, galactogogue, ophthalmic and pectoral[257]. A decoction is used in the treatment of coughs and as an eyewash[257]. A decoction of the bark has been applied to a woman's breasts to encourage milk flow[257]. The bark has also been used as a dressing on burns[257]. The leaves are antipruritic and ophthalmic[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves is applied to venereal sores, itchy skin and boils[218, 257]. A decoction of the leaves is used as an eye wash[257]. The fruits are antidandruff, emetic, laxative and pectoral[218, 257]. An infusion is used to treat chest and stomach complaints and to cleanse the body[257]. The mashed fruit has been rubbed into the scalp as a treatment for dandruff.