Parker's Picks — Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Northern bush honeysuckle (diervilla lonicera) is a hardy Western New York deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet with a similar spread. This plant spreads via rhizomes and showcases new growth with an eye-catching copper color. As the seasons change, the dark green leaves shift to vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and bronze in the fall.

During the summer, this plant produces delicate pale yellow tubular flowers that resemble honeysuckle, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Thriving in full sunlight and adaptable to medium to average soil conditions, this shrub not only enhances the landscape but also aids in soil stabilization and offers a valuable habitat for local wildlife. Bush Honeysuckle is great for foundation plantings and informal hedges.

Bush honeysuckle has been a staple in traditional Native American healing practices due to its therapeutic benefits. This plant has been commonly used to ease coughs and other respiratory ailments, typically prepared in teas or infusions. Certain tribes also applied bush honeysuckle topically to address skin irritations and wounds. Infusions derived from its leaves or flowers were utilized to alleviate digestive issues. Additionally, the plant was recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for managing various types of bodily pain.