Lonicera hispidula, Pink Honeysuckle

Lonicera hispidula is a common habitat plant in our local ecosystem, often appearing under open canopy trees, on slopes or streambanks. A deciduous shrub that may be semi-evergreen, it is more prominent in summer when it produces clusters of tubular pink flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds. These are followed by beautiful red berries, which humans shouldn’t eat, but birds will.

Fast growing to 4–18 ft tall by 8–10 ft wide, it will climb up larger shrubs or a trellis if available. Otherwise, it will spread out along the ground.

Give it part shade and a monthly soak. It does well in soils that are moist year-round or dry in the summer but with minimal irrigation. Very easy to grow and a nice landscaping choice. Normally deer don’t eat it.