What Happens When You Eat Toxic Honeysuckle Berries?
Consuming berries from most wild honeysuckle species, particularly invasive varieties, can lead to adverse health effects. The toxicity is typically mild to moderate, but can pose a more significant risk, especially to children and pets who may consume larger quantities. The primary health concerns are related to the gastrointestinal system, as the berries contain chemical compounds like saponins that irritate the digestive tract.
Symptoms of Honeysuckle Berry Poisoning
The most common side effects of eating honeysuckle berries are related to gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms can range in severity depending on the amount consumed, the specific honeysuckle species, and the individual's body mass.
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Lethargy
In some more serious cases, particularly with highly toxic species like Japanese honeysuckle ($Lonicera japonica$), ingesting large amounts can potentially lead to more severe systemic effects. While less common, these may include a rapid or irregular heartbeat and dilated pupils. Some people have also reported skin irritation or rashes upon contact with certain parts of the plant.
A Crucial Distinction: Poisonous Honeysuckle vs. Edible Honeyberry
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of honeysuckle berries is the confusion between toxic wild varieties and the small number of cultivated species with edible fruits. The most common edible type is the honeyberry, or haskap ($Lonicera caerulea$), which is grown specifically for its nutritious, blueberry-like fruit.
Characteristics of a toxic wild honeysuckle berry:
- Typically small and round
- Bright red, orange, or black in color
- Found on common wild or invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle ($Lonicera japonica$), Morrow's honeysuckle ($Lonicera morrowii$), and Amur honeysuckle ($Lonicera maackii$)
Characteristics of an edible honeyberry:
- Elongated rather than round, with a blue or blue-black color
- Covered with a whitish, waxy 'bloom'
- Harvested from specific cultivated plants, usually from a garden or farm
- Ripens earlier than most wild honeysuckle varieties
Never assume that any berry found in the wild is safe to eat. Correct identification is paramount, and without professional certainty, it is always safest to assume the berries are toxic. A general rule of thumb for foragers is to only eat the berries of plants that have been deliberately grown and confirmed as an edible variety.
Honeysuckle Berry Identification Comparison
| Feature | Wild/Toxic Honeysuckle (e.g., L. japonica) | Edible Honeyberry (L. caerulea) |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Shape | Typically round or spherical | Elongated, cylindrical shape |
| Berry Color | Bright red, orange, or dark purple | Blue or dark blue-black |
| Toxicity Level | Mild to moderately toxic, causing gastric upset | Not toxic; safe for human consumption |
| Origin | Common in the wild, often invasive | Grown intentionally as a cultivated food crop |
| Key Identification Tip | If foraged in the wild, assume it is toxic | Always confirm with a reliable source or nursery label |
What to Do If You've Eaten Toxic Honeysuckle Berries
If you or someone else has ingested wild honeysuckle berries, especially in a quantity larger than one or two, it is important to take action immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to by a medical professional.
- Contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Be prepared to describe the individual's age and weight, the amount of berries consumed, and the type of plant if you know it.
- Monitor for symptoms. Keep an eye out for nausea, vomiting, or other signs of distress. Even if symptoms are minor, a consultation with poison control is highly recommended.
Conclusion
The simple answer to the question of what are the side effects of eating honeysuckle berries is that they are generally unpleasant and can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable individuals. While the sweet nectar of the honeysuckle flower is famously harmless, most wild and invasive honeysuckle species produce toxic berries. The key to safety lies in accurate identification and extreme caution. Unless you are certain you are consuming berries from a cultivated honeyberry ($Lonicera caerulea$) plant that you or a trusted source has grown for consumption, you should avoid eating any honeysuckle berries found in the wild. For information on how to manage invasive honeysuckle in your area, consult authoritative resources like the Missouri Department of Conservation.
