Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata) is an attractive and long-lived deciduous shrub with glossy oval leaves that give it a shiny appearance. It grows small and insignificant flowers that are encased in two leafy bracts. The bracts turn deeper red as the season progresses until the flowers give way to purple or black plump berries. These berries are very bitter and not used for human consumption, but are loved by mammals, game birds, and song birds. Twinberry Honeysuckle is a beautiful ornamental in garden beds and borders, woodland gardens, and shade gardens, hedges, or privacy screens. It is also used to control erosion of banks near river and streams. Twinberry Honeysuckle is tolerant of urban pollution.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April to early May
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett
Twinberry Honeysuckle
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) to Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days) (preferred)
Mature Size: 6 - 15' tall and 6 - 10' wide
Spacing: 6 - 10' apart
Bloom Colors: Yellow
Bloom Season: May - July
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade (preferred)
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Adapted to many soil types, including sand, loam, or clay as long as they are well-drained.
Plants in the Lonicera genus are host species for 17 known native pollinators in northern Utah. Honeysuckle also provides nectar for pollinators, berries for birds and other animals, and habitat and nesting sites for birds and mammals.