Honeysuckle, a common ornamental shrub or vine admired for its fragrant flowers, belongs to the genus Lonicera. The answer to whether honeysuckles are poisonous is a qualified one: certain parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. While the sweet nectar is often enjoyed without issue, the plant’s berries and other tissues contain compounds that can cause illness if ingested. This variation in edibility across the plant makes proper identification and caution important.
Identifying the Toxic Parts
The most hazardous parts of the honeysuckle plant are its brightly colored berries, which develop after the fragrant flowers fade. These small, red, orange, or black fruits are appealing to children and pets, making them the most frequent cause of accidental poisoning. Most species of Lonicera produce these toxic berries, which contain chemical defenses that can irritate the digestive system.
The primary toxic compounds found in the berries, and to a lesser extent the leaves and stems, are saponins and glycosides. Saponins are soap-like substances that have a strongly irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, causing physical distress upon ingestion. While the leaves and stems also contain these compounds, the fruit presents the greatest risk due to its potential for mistaken identity as an edible berry.
Signs and Severity of Poisoning
Ingestion of honeysuckle berries typically results in symptoms localized to the digestive system. Mild poisoning usually causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea as the body reacts to the irritating saponins. These symptoms can appear shortly after the berries are eaten and are the most common presentation of honeysuckle toxicity. The severity of the reaction is dependent on the quantity of berries consumed, as well as the specific species of honeysuckle.
Consuming a large number of berries, though rare, can lead to more serious systemic effects. Severe cases have been associated with symptoms like dilated pupils, increased heartbeat, cold sweats, and neurological signs such as dizziness or convulsions. If honeysuckle ingestion is suspected, seeking immediate medical guidance is necessary. Contacting a poison control center or a veterinarian is the recommended first step.
Honeysuckle Look-Alikes and Edible Uses
The confusion surrounding honeysuckle’s toxicity stems from the fact that while the berries are generally unsafe, the flowers and their nectar are often consumed safely. For centuries, people have enjoyed the sweet nectar directly from the tubular flowers of many Lonicera species, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Flowers are also used in traditional medicine and culinary applications, like teas, syrups, and jellies, after being properly processed.
It is important to understand that even in species where the flowers are used, the berries are still considered toxic and should not be eaten. Only a few species, such as the honeyberry or Haskap (Lonicera caerulea), produce safe, edible fruit, but these are exceptions to the general rule. Furthermore, honeysuckle can be mistaken for other plants, including other species within the Lonicera genus that may have varying toxicity levels, underscoring the need for careful identification before consuming any part of the plant.