Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a vibrant, native vine with striking, tubular blossoms. This non-invasive climbing plant grows vigorously, providing a beautiful display in gardens and natural landscapes. Its trumpet-shaped flowers attract various pollinators, especially hummingbirds, drawn to their vivid colors and nectar. This article explores Trumpet Honeysuckle’s edibility, guiding what parts can be consumed and highlighting safety considerations.
Edibility of Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet Honeysuckle’s edibility centers on its sweet nectar and, in moderation, its flower petals. The nectar, a sugary liquid within the blooms, is safe for human consumption and can be sipped directly. Petals can be used as a garnish or for infusions, but consume them in small quantities.
The berries of Lonicera sempervirens are not safe for human consumption. These small, red to orange fruits, appearing after flowers, are inedible or mildly toxic. Ingesting berries can cause digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. While birds consume these berries, they are not suitable for people. Other parts like leaves, stems, and roots are not edible.
Identifying Trumpet Honeysuckle
Accurate identification of Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is important, as some other honeysuckle species are toxic. This native vine has distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, typically vivid red or coral, but also yellow or orange, measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm). Unlike some fragrant invasive honeysuckles, Lonicera sempervirens lacks a strong scent. Blooms are arranged in whorled clusters at stem ends.
Leaves are oval-shaped and blue-green, 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long, arranged in opposite pairs. A distinguishing characteristic is the uppermost pair of leaves, immediately below the flowers, which often appears perfoliate, joined at their bases to form a single disc around the stem. The plant grows as a robust, twining vine, reaching 20 feet or more, producing small, round, red to orange berries less than 1 cm. These features differentiate it from invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which has white and yellow flowers and often hollow stems, unlike native honeysuckles’ solid stems.
Safety Considerations for Consumption
Before consuming Trumpet Honeysuckle, ensure positive identification of Lonicera sempervirens. Many honeysuckle species exist; while Trumpet Honeysuckle nectar is safe, other varieties may have toxic components, especially their berries. Mistakes in identification could lead to consuming an unsafe plant.
Avoid consuming plant material from areas exposed to pesticides, herbicides, or environmental pollutants, such as roadsides or industrial sites. Even with positive identification, start with a small amount of nectar or petals to assess for sensitivities. The red or orange berries of Trumpet Honeysuckle should never be eaten by humans. Symptoms of consuming berries range from mild stomach upset to vomiting, diarrhea, and even irregular heartbeat in larger quantities.