Orange honeysuckle is a bright addition to gardens, landscapes

A bright, colorful spot amid the leafy green above, orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa) is a native deciduous vine that spirals up trees and clambers over shrubs when they're available. Also called western honeysuckle and trumpet honeysuckle, it is native from northern California to British Columbia, mostly west of the Cascades, as well as in the Idaho panhandle and neighboring Montana with small pockets in Utah and Arizona.

In a family of its own, Caprifoliacea, honeysuckles come in a variety of vines and shrubs. Vines are fast climbers growing up to 20 feet, seeking sun while preferring moist, cool roots.

Large, red-orange flowers bloom in clusters up to 30 in early summer. The flowers appear to be emerging from an oval, cone-shaped leaf, with pointed tips on two sides. This curious leaf structure is actually two opposite leaves fused together. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, flaring on the end with five lobes. Fruits ripen in the fall as bunches of orange-red translucent berries and are a food source for birds and insects.

The shape and color of the flowers are a big draw for hummingbirds, and in many species the nectar is noticeably sweet. In fact, the common name “honeysuckle” derives from sucking the nectar from the base of the flowers as a treat. The Latin species name “ciliosa” describes the fringe-like hairy edges of immature leaves. Mature leaves are large, oval and appear opposite on the stem. They have smooth edges.

Western honeysuckle prefers moist soils and full sun to partial shade, but it adapts well to less than ideal conditions. It is a colorful choice for arbors, pergolas, rock walls, trellises and fences. To cover lampposts, an old stump or other vertical structures, attach a wire net for the honeysuckle to climb on. While it is generally pest and disease-free, you may notice thrips, aphids or powdery mildew. Mulching with several inches of dried needles, shredded bark or leaves will help preserve soil moisture, keeping the roots happy while leaves and flowers reach for the sun.

Western honeysuckle is named Ghost's Swing or Owl's Swing in Coast Salish languages and Snohomish people claimed crows swing on it. The vine is extremely strong and has been fashioned into ropes to support suspension foot bridges. Indigenous people of British Columbia pounded the fiber to create mats and capes.

Western honeysuckle is described on Page 215 of the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society publication, "Landscaping with Native Plants in the Idaho Panhandle", available at local bookstores and the Bonner County History Museum. Native Plant Note articles are created by KNPS.

To learn more about KNPS and the North Idaho Native Plant Arboretum, visit nativeplantsociety.org.