Diervilla lonicera - Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Sizes available: 1 gallon

Basics: zones 3-10, 30-42" x 36", full sun to partial shade, yellow flower in early to mid summer, attractive pointed leaves turn shades of reddish, orange and purple as the season cools, exfoliating bark on mature specimens. This is a deciduous shrub. rocky, well-drained soils, lean soil, drought tolerant once established.

Common names: Northern Bush Honeysuckle, Low Bush Honeysuckle, Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, Yellow-flowered Upright Honeysuckle

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Origin/Distribution: Along the east coast of North America from northern Quebec south to Georgia and Alabama, introduced in parts of Europe, native to Maine

Habitat: Associated with Balsam fir, Abies balsam, and Jack Pine, Pinus banksiana in open woodland situations. 

More: You are probably more likely to kill this shrub through too much attention than through neglect. Since it can regenerate from underground stems it is adapted to fire. Given some time it will form a low thicket and offer protected shelter for birds and small mammals. Excellent as part of a mixed hedgerow or shrubbery. The fruit capsules are enjoyed by many birds and you will want to plant a few specimens for optimal fruit production. May be browsed by moose and deer. Bumblebees are very attracted to Bush Honeysuckle flowers. It is the larval host plant for the Diervilla Clearwing hawkmoth, Hemaris aethra, which is native to, but rare, in Maine. It is also a larval host for the Laurel Sphinx moth, Sphinx kalmia, and the Snowberry Clearwing, Hemaris diffinis, which are also native to Maine. Has been used medicinally.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons