Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), a deciduous shrub native to Siberia and other parts of eastern Asia, was introduced to North America in 1752 as an ornamental plant. It has since become widely established, thriving in diverse habitats like woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed forests. Its adaptability and rapid spread have led it to be considered an invasive species in many areas, often forming dense thickets that can outcompete native vegetation. Due to its prevalence, questions about the edibility of its bright berries frequently arise.
Identifying Tatarian Honeysuckle
Tatarian honeysuckle grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub, reaching heights of up to 10 feet. Its mature stems are often hollow, with the bark appearing light gray and shaggy or peeling. Young stems are usually light brown and may be slightly hairy.
Its oval leaves appear opposite along the stems, measuring between 1.5 to 2.5 inches long. They are smooth and bluish-green. The tubular flowers, typically pink to red (rarely white), bloom in pairs at the leaf axils from May to June.
After flowering, the plant produces spherical, red to orange berries. About 0.25 inches in diameter, these berries grow in pairs and contain several small seeds. They are attractive to wildlife and often persist on the plant through the winter months.
Are Tatarian Honeysuckle Parts Edible?
Tatarian honeysuckle berries are not edible for humans. While birds and other wildlife consume these berries without apparent harm, their consumption can cause adverse effects in humans. The berries contain compounds like saponins, which are responsible for their toxic properties.
Ingesting these berries, particularly in larger quantities, can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Although some honeysuckle species produce edible berries, Tatarian honeysuckle is not one of them. No part of the Tatarian honeysuckle plant, including its leaves and flowers, is recommended for human consumption.
Symptoms of Ingestion and What to Do
Ingestion of Tatarian honeysuckle berries can lead to several symptoms. Common reactions include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While these symptoms are generally mild, their severity can increase with the quantity of berries consumed. No human fatalities have been reported, indicating a low poisonous severity level.
In rare cases of significant ingestion, more profound effects such as neurological symptoms like confusion or dizziness might occur. If Tatarian honeysuckle berries or any other part of the plant is ingested, contact a poison control center immediately for guidance. Seeking medical attention is also advisable for proper assessment and care.
Why the Confusion About Edibility?
Confusion about Tatarian honeysuckle’s edibility often stems from several factors. One reason is the existence of other honeysuckle species with edible berries, such as Lonicera caerulea (honeyberry). This can lead to misidentification, as many Lonicera species share similar appearances.
Another source of misunderstanding is that birds and other wildlife readily consume Tatarian honeysuckle berries. This can mistakenly lead people to believe the berries are safe for human consumption, overlooking that animal digestive systems often process toxins differently than human ones. Additionally, general misinformation or a lack of precise identification knowledge among foragers contribute to the confusion. Always accurately identify any plant before considering its consumption due to varied toxicity across species.