Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) Evergreen climber

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Lonicera japonica
Japanese honeysuckle
Evergreen climber
(1 Page of 5)

The Lonicera japonica plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. Locally naturalized in Britain[50]. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Japanese honeysuckle. Some home gardeners know the variety as Nintooa japonica. (Thunb.)Sweet.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lonicera japonica
Common Name:  Japanese honeysuckle
Family:  Caprifoliaceae
Author:  Thunb.

Known Hazards:  The leaves contain saponins[179]. Saponins are quite toxic but are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. They can be found in many common foods such as some beans. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will normally remove most of the saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Thickets in hills and mountains all over Japan[58].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a good moist soil with its roots in the shade and its top climbing into the light[200]. Succeeds in any soil in part shade[184]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. They succeed in dry shade, the cultivar 'Halliana' is especially recommended for such a situation[188]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[184]. The foliage can be damaged in severe wind-chill conditions but the plant usually recovers in the spring[202]. Fruit is only formed after a hot summer[202]. A rampantly growing plant[190], it climbs by twining around other plants[182] and makes an excellent screen for a north or east facing fence or an unsightly object[190]. The plant has powerfully scented flowers. The white-flowered cultivar 'Halliana' has a pronounced lemon-like perfume[245]. There are several named varieties, developed for their ornamental value[182, 200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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