What Part of a Honeysuckle Is Poisonous? A Guide to Toxicity

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While the fragrant flowers of many honeysuckle species are a beloved sight and scent, over 180 species in the Lonicera genus exist worldwide. It's a critical safety fact that the berries, leaves, and other plant parts are toxic in most varieties, posing a risk to humans and animals. Knowing what part of a honeysuckle is poisonous is essential for anyone with this plant in their garden or local area.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the specific toxic components of honeysuckle plants, explaining which parts are poisonous and detailing the risks involved for humans and pets, with a focus on identification.

Key Points

Berries are the Most Toxic Part: The berries of most wild honeysuckle varieties are the most poisonous part of the plant for humans and animals.
Leaves are Also Poisonous: The leaves of many species also contain toxic compounds, and should not be ingested.
Toxicity Varies by Species: Some species are more poisonous than others, and a few cultivated varieties (like honeyberries) have edible fruit, but require positive identification.
Flowers Are Typically Safe: The nectar from the flowers is generally not toxic, and can be consumed safely in most cases.
Pets are More Vulnerable: All parts of the honeysuckle plant are unsafe for dogs and cats, who are more susceptible to poisoning.
Assume Unknowns are Poisonous: Always assume that any wild honeysuckle you cannot positively identify is poisonous and should be avoided.
Seek Medical Help for Ingestion: If ingestion is suspected, immediately contact a poison control center or veterinarian for guidance.
Identification is Critical: Learning the difference between toxic red berries and safe, elongated blue honeyberries is essential for foraging and gardening safety.

What Makes Honeysuckle Berries and Leaves Toxic?

Most wild honeysuckle species contain toxic compounds, primarily glycosides and saponins, which are concentrated in the berries and leaves. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal distress, and in larger quantities, more severe symptoms. The nectar from the flowers is generally considered safe for human consumption, but the berries and foliage are the most dangerous parts of the plant.

It is important to remember that not all honeysuckle species have the same level of toxicity. The berries of some species, like the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), are known to be poisonous, causing gastrointestinal irritation. Other species may cause more significant health problems if ingested in large quantities, with symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to an irregular pulse and convulsions. Some cultivated varieties, like the honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis), produce edible fruit, but these are exceptions and typically look very different from their toxic cousins.

Identification Is Key to Safety

Positive identification is the most critical step in preventing honeysuckle poisoning. Wild honeysuckle berries are typically round and come in red or orange hues, often appearing in pairs. In contrast, the safe, cultivated honeyberries are generally elongated and blue to dark purple. Leaves of most honeysuckle species are arranged oppositely on the stem. If you are foraging or have children and pets, it's safer to assume all unknown honeysuckle berries and foliage are toxic unless you can confirm otherwise with 100% certainty.

Poisonous vs. Edible Honeysuckle: A Comparison


Feature	Toxic Wild Honeysuckle	Edible Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea)
Berries	Round, typically red or orange.	Elongated, blue to dark purple.
Berry Arrangement	Often in pairs, but can be single.	Typically in clusters.
Toxicity	Varies, but berries and leaves contain toxins.	Berries are safe to eat.
Season	Berries ripen mid to late summer.	Berries ripen early spring.
Origin	Many are invasive, like Japanese honeysuckle.	Cultivated for food, not typically wild.

Symptoms of Honeysuckle Poisoning

Accidental ingestion of toxic honeysuckle can cause a range of symptoms, with effects varying depending on the species and amount consumed.

Gastrointestinal Upset: The most common effect is mild to moderate digestive distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Skin Irritation: Some varieties, such as Japanese honeysuckle, can cause skin irritation or a rash upon contact.
Systemic Effects: In larger quantities, more severe symptoms can occur, including an irregular or rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, dizziness, and sweats. In very rare and severe cases, it could lead to convulsions or coma.

What to Do in Case of Exposure

If you suspect that a person, child, or pet has ingested any part of a poisonous honeysuckle plant, act quickly. The appropriate course of action depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual. First, remove any remaining plant material from the mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a professional. Contact a poison control center immediately for guidance. For animals, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline.

Precautions and Safe Alternatives

If you have honeysuckle in your garden and are concerned about safety, especially with children or pets around, there are several precautions you can take. Deadheading the flowers before berries can form is an effective way to eliminate the most significant risk. You can also prune plants to keep them in areas not accessible to pets. For those looking for a safe, non-toxic alternative, consider planting a native, non-poisonous species or choosing a plant with similar aesthetic appeal but no toxicity, such as trumpet vine (note: trumpet vine is also toxic to some pets) or morning glory, but always research the specific species you plant.

Conclusion

Understanding what part of a honeysuckle is poisonous is crucial for maintaining a safe environment, particularly for pets and children. While the flowers may offer sweet nectar, the berries and leaves of most wild species contain toxic compounds that cause gastrointestinal and more severe symptoms. The key takeaway is to assume all wild honeysuckle is poisonous and rely only on positively identified, cultivated edible varieties like honeyberry. By taking a cautious approach and prioritizing plant identification, you can enjoy the beauty of honeysuckle without the risk of accidental poisoning. For any suspected ingestion, immediate contact with a poison control center or a veterinarian is essential.

Lists of Poisonous Honeysuckle Species

This list highlights some well-known varieties recognized for their toxic properties, emphasizing the need for caution.

Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle): An invasive species whose leaves and berries are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Lonicera tatarica (Tatarian Honeysuckle): Its berries contain saponins and are toxic to humans and animals.
Lonicera periclymenum (Woodbine): The berries and leaves of this native species are toxic and can cause an upset stomach if ingested.
Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle): An invasive species with poisonous berries.
Lonicera morrowii (Morrow's Honeysuckle): Also an invasive species with toxic berries.
Lonicera dioica (Limber Honeysuckle): Native to North America, its red or orange berries are generally considered poisonous.
Lonicera x bella (Bell's Honeysuckle): A hybrid invasive species with poisonous berries.

First Aid Measures for Honeysuckle Exposure

If you or someone you know has been in contact with or ingested honeysuckle, here are some crucial first aid measures to take immediately.

For Ingestion: Remove any plant material from the person's mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
For Skin Contact: If a rash or irritation develops from touching the plant, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Applying a cool compress can also help soothe the irritation.
For Eye Contact: If the plant's sap or pollen gets into the eyes, flush them immediately with clean water for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
For Pets: If you suspect your pet has eaten honeysuckle, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Symptoms in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, and other more serious issues.

Always provide the medical professional with as much information as possible about the plant and the circumstances of exposure to ensure the correct treatment is administered.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all honeysuckle berries are poisonous, but most wild varieties are toxic. The only reliably edible varieties are cultivated for food, like the honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis), which has distinct elongated blue fruits.

Common symptoms in humans and animals include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases from consuming large amounts, irregular heartbeat, dilated pupils, and other serious effects can occur.

Yes, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is toxic to humans. Its leaves and berries can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested.

Yes, the nectar from honeysuckle flowers is generally safe for humans to consume. However, it is important to avoid ingesting the leaves, berries, and stems, which are toxic.

Yes, all parts of the honeysuckle plant are toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.

If you suspect your child has eaten honeysuckle berries, remove any remaining plant material from their mouth and immediately contact a poison control center for professional guidance.

Wild, poisonous honeysuckle berries are typically round and red or orange, while the edible honeyberry is elongated and blue to dark purple. To be safe, only consume berries you can 100% identify as edible.

The berries and leaves of the woodbine or common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) are toxic. They can cause a mild upset stomach if ingested.