Honeysuckle, European honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum

Physical Characteristics

Lonicera periclymenum is a deciduous Climber growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) 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 from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and Greece.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Nectar Edible Uses: Children (of all ages) suck the base of the flowers to extract the nectar[66].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Astringent Cathartic Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic Expectorant Febrifuge Laxative Mouthwash Skin Vulnerary The plant has expectorant and laxative properties[4]. A syrup made from the flowers has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases whilst a decoction of the leaves is considered beneficial in treating diseases of the liver and spleen[4]. It is used as a mouthwash for ulcers[66] and is considered to be a good ingredient in gargles[4]. The flowers are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and sudorific[240]. The fruit is emetic and cathartic[4]. The herbage is used as a cutaneous and mucous tonic and as a vulnerary[4]. It is also diaphoretic[4]. The leaves are laxative and slightly astringent[240]. The seed is diuretic[4]. The bark is anticatarrhal, depurative, diuretic and sudorific[240].

Known Hazards

Poisonous in large doses[10]. It only has a very mild action[65].