Honeysuckle plants, a common sight in many landscapes and gardens, are often admired for their fragrant, tubular flowers. Despite their beauty and widespread presence, there is frequent confusion regarding the edibility of their berries. This article aims to clarify whether red honeysuckle berries are safe to consume.
The Truth About Red Honeysuckle Berries
Most red honeysuckle berries, especially ornamental varieties, are toxic to humans and pets. They contain compounds like saponins and carotenoids that can cause gastrointestinal distress. While toxicity is generally low and not life-threatening in small quantities, consuming enough can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
It is important to distinguish these from certain edible honeysuckle species. For example, Lonicera caerulea (Haskap or Blue Honeysuckle) yields blue or dark purple berries, not red. These edible varieties are distinct from widespread ornamental red-berried types. The general rule for red honeysuckle berries is to consider them non-edible due to potential toxicity.
Identifying Potentially Harmful Species
Several red-berried honeysuckle species are invasive, including Amur (Lonicera maackii), Morrow’s (Lonicera morrowii), Tatarian (Lonicera tatarica), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). These plants grow as dense shrubs or twining vines, reaching 6 to 20 feet. Their woody stems are thornless; invasive bush honeysuckles have a hollow brown pith, distinguishing them from native honeysuckles with solid stems.
The leaves of these species are typically oval or elliptical with smooth margins and are arranged oppositely on the stem. Flowers, which precede the berries, are often fragrant and tubular, appearing in colors that can range from white to yellow, pink, or red, often changing hue as they age. The shiny red, orange, or pink berries typically ripen in mid to late summer and are often found in pairs at the leaf axils.
What to Do in Case of Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of red honeysuckle berries typically results in mild symptoms, though severity can depend on the amount consumed and the specific species. Common reactions include nausea, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare instances, particularly with larger quantities, more severe symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, dilated pupils, respiratory failure, convulsions, or loss of consciousness have been reported.
If a person, especially a child, or a pet accidentally consumes red honeysuckle berries, it is important to act promptly. Encourage them to spit out any remaining plant material. Contact a poison control center immediately for guidance; in the United States, the national toll-free Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222, available 24/7. If the individual exhibits severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical attention without delay.