Honeysuckle plants (Lonicera) are popular for their fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and climbing nature. These plants produce fruit, which are small, brightly colored structures commonly called berries. Most species develop these fruits, which ripen in the late summer and fall after the flowering period concludes.
The Fruit of the Honeysuckle Plant
While nearly all Lonicera species produce fruit, botanically they are often classified as small, seed-bearing drupes, though commonly called berries. These fruits are generally quite small, frequently pea-sized or less than one inch in diameter. Appearance varies significantly by species, displaying colors from bright red and orange to dark purple or black.
The berries frequently grow in pairs or small, tight clusters. For example, the Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata) develops two shiny black berries cupped by prominent bracts. The fruit texture is usually fleshy, containing tiny seeds that are consumed and dispersed by birds and small mammals.
Toxicity and Safety Concerns
The vast majority of honeysuckle species produce fruits considered toxic or mildly poisonous to humans and household pets. The primary toxic components are saponins, chemical compounds known to cause gastrointestinal irritation. When ingested, saponins can create a foamy consistency in the digestive tract, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Accidental consumption typically results in mild to moderate poisoning. Common symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea as the body attempts to expel the irritating compounds. Ingestion is particularly concerning for small children and pets, who may be attracted to the bright colors and sweet scent of the fruits. Positive identification of any plant material before consumption is a necessary precaution.
Common Species and Their Fruits
The identification of honeysuckle fruit is complicated by the presence of numerous species, which can be broadly divided into toxic and non-toxic varieties. Common invasive species, like Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), are well-known for producing small, round, toxic berries. Lonicera tatarica yields small, paired berries that transition from orange to red as they ripen in the fall.
However, a notable exception within the genus is the Haskap or Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea), which is cultivated specifically for its edible fruit. Haskap berries are distinctly different in appearance, being blue, elongated, and cylindrical in shape, often reaching a length of one inch or more.
This edible fruit variety requires careful and positive identification, as it is easily confused with its toxic relatives. The Haskap is a cold-hardy shrub native to the Northern Hemisphere and its berries are prized for their high levels of antioxidants. The general rule remains that unless a honeysuckle plant is a confirmed, cultivated variety of Lonicera caerulea, its fruits should be treated as potentially harmful and not consumed.