Diervilla lonicera

Northern bush honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera, commonly known as the Northern Bush Honeysuckle, is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It is native to the cool temperate regions of North America, from Nova Scotia in the east to Manitoba and south to Georgia and Iowa in the United States. This deciduous shrub is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soil and light conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners and landscapers.

Description

Diervilla lonicera is a small to medium-sized shrub, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet in height and spread. It has a bushy, spreading habit with arching branches. The leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate in shape, 2 to 5 inches long, with serrated margins. They are green in summer, turning a striking yellow to reddish-purple in the fall.

The flowers of Diervilla lonicera are small, yellow, and trumpet-shaped, appearing in clusters at the branch tips from late spring to early summer. They are followed by slender, beaked seed capsules. The plant is particularly noted for its resistance to drought and poor soil conditions, as well as its attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Habitat and Distribution

Diervilla lonicera thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forest edges, and open areas. It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. The plant is found in a broad swath across the northern United States and Canada, indicating its adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Cultivation and Uses

Gardeners value Diervilla lonicera for its ease of care, wildlife attraction, and seasonal color. It is used in landscaping for mass plantings, borders, and as a ground cover. The shrub's ability to thrive in part shade to full sun and its tolerance for drought make it a suitable choice for challenging sites.

In addition to its ornamental value, Diervilla lonicera is used for erosion control and as a pioneer plant in reclamation projects. Its dense growth habit and root system help stabilize soil, while its flowers provide a nectar source for pollinators.

Conservation

While Diervilla lonicera is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, its habitat is subject to the pressures of development and habitat fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting the use of native plants in landscaping to support biodiversity.

Gallery

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See Also

• Caprifoliaceae
• Pollinator
• Erosion control
• Native plants