Bush honeysuckle is a common plant found across various landscapes, often prompting questions about its potential uses, including its edibility. This article provides an overview of bush honeysuckle, focusing on identification, potential toxicity, and safety considerations for anyone encountering it in the wild.
Understanding Bush Honeysuckle
Bush honeysuckle refers to several non-native, invasive species of the Lonicera genus, primarily including Tartarian (L. tatarica), Amur (L. maackii), Morrow (L. morrowii), and their hybrid, Bell (L. x bella). These plants, originally from Europe and Asia, were introduced for ornamental purposes, wildlife cover, and erosion control in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They grow as upright, spreading shrubs, typically reaching heights of 6 to 20 feet.
Identifying bush honeysuckle involves observing several distinct characteristics. Its leaves are oppositely arranged on the stem, simple, and typically oval to egg-shaped with smooth margins. Fragrant, tubular flowers appear in spring, often in pairs from the leaf axils, starting white and changing to yellow or pinkish as they age. By mid-summer to fall, the plants produce abundant, shiny red, orange, or pink berries, usually in pairs where the leaves meet the stem.
A distinguishing feature of invasive bush honeysuckles is their hollow stems, which contrasts with native honeysuckle species that have solid stems. These invasive species are often the first plants to leaf out in spring and the last to lose their leaves in fall, giving them a competitive advantage over native vegetation.
The Edibility of Bush Honeysuckle
Most wild honeysuckle fruits, including those of invasive bush honeysuckle species, are generally considered mildly toxic to humans. Ingesting these berries can lead to digestive upset, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. While some sources suggest that the flowers of certain honeysuckle species might be used for teas or garnishes, the berries of the common invasive bush honeysuckles are not recommended for consumption.
The toxicity is attributed to compounds like saponins and xylostein found in the stems, leaves, and fruits. Although the risk of severe toxicity in adults is generally low, children are at a higher risk of adverse reactions due to their smaller body mass. The berries are strongly unpalatable, which often discourages large consumption. Therefore, it is advised to avoid eating the berries of wild bush honeysuckle.
Identifying Safe vs. Unsafe Parts and Lookalikes
Distinguishing bush honeysuckle from other plants, especially those with similar-looking red berries, is important for safety. The berries of invasive bush honeysuckle species are considered unsafe for human consumption and can cause gastrointestinal distress. All parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves, and berries, are considered mildly toxic to pets like cats and dogs.
Native honeysuckle species, such as American fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis), typically have solid stems, unlike the hollow stems of invasive species. Some native honeysuckles, like trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), are vines rather than shrubs, further aiding differentiation. While some cultivated honeysuckle varieties, known as honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea), produce edible blue or dark purple fruits, these are distinctly different in appearance and are not typically found growing wild. When encountering red-berried shrubs, caution is advised, as other poisonous plants might share a similar appearance.
Foraging and Usage Considerations
Given the mild toxicity of bush honeysuckle berries and the challenges in accurate identification, foraging for food from these plants is generally not recommended. The berries, though abundant, lack the high fat and nutrient content that many native plant berries provide to wildlife. Relying on them as a food source for humans or animals is not advised due to the risk of digestive upset.
While some traditional or historical uses of honeysuckle flowers exist, primarily for external applications or crafts, internal consumption of bush honeysuckle is discouraged. The plant’s invasive nature also presents ecological concerns. Bush honeysuckle outcompetes native vegetation, forms dense thickets, and reduces biodiversity, making it a problematic species in natural areas. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming any part of bush honeysuckle and to prioritize the foraging of known, safe, and palatable alternatives.