What parts of the honeysuckle are edible? A Guide to Safe Foraging

With approximately 180 species of honeysuckle in the Lonicera genus, the edibility of its parts is a complex topic, with many species possessing toxic components, especially in their berries. While the sweet nectar is often safe to consume directly from the flower, identifying the correct species is paramount before ingesting any part of this popular vine.

Quick Summary

The flowers and nectar of several honeysuckle species are edible, but most berries and other parts are toxic. Careful identification is essential before consumption, with special attention to the few varieties that produce edible fruit, such as honeyberries.

Key Points

• Flowers and Nectar: The nectar and flowers of many common honeysuckle species are generally safe to eat.

• Berries are Mostly Toxic: The berries of most honeysuckle species are poisonous and should not be consumed by humans.

• Honeyberry Exception: The specific species Lonicera caerulea, known as honeyberry, produces edible, blueberry-like fruit.

• Positive Identification is Critical: It is absolutely vital to correctly identify the plant species before consuming any part of it.

• Harvesting Flowers: Nectar can be extracted directly from the base of the flower, while blooms can be used to make syrups, jellies, or teas.

• Beware of Look-alikes: Do not confuse native or cultivated edible honeysuckles with invasive or toxic varieties found in the wild.

General Honeysuckle Edibility: The Golden Rule

When considering foraging from a honeysuckle, remember one crucial rule: while the nectar is generally safe, most berries are poisonous. The intoxicating scent and sweet taste of the nectar are a well-known childhood delight, but the vibrant berries that follow can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other ill effects. Proper identification of the specific honeysuckle species is the single most important step for anyone considering consumption. When in doubt, it is safest to assume the berries are toxic and simply enjoy the fragrance.

The Delicious Honeysuckle Flower and Nectar

For many honeysuckle varieties, the flowers are the primary edible part. They can be harvested and used for culinary purposes, infusing their delicate, sweet aroma into various dishes and drinks.

• Consuming Nectar: To enjoy the nectar, pinch off a fresh flower at the base, and gently pull the stamen and pistil through the bottom. A small drop of sweet nectar will appear at the end, which can be safely tasted.
• Culinary Uses: The flowers can be used to make fragrant honeysuckle syrup, jelly, and teas. The blooms can also serve as a beautiful, edible garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. It is important to wash flowers thoroughly before use to remove any insects or debris. Varieties like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) are commonly used for their edible blossoms.

The Dangerous Honeysuckle Berries

For most honeysuckle species, the berries are a definitive 'no.' Their toxicity can vary, but the risk is significant enough to warrant avoiding consumption completely unless you are 100% certain of the species. Red, orange, and black berries found on typical climbing honeysuckle vines are usually toxic. Symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and in larger quantities, more severe issues.

The Exception: Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea)

An important exception to the rule is the group of honeysuckles known as honeyberries or edible blue honeysuckle. These are specifically cultivated varieties of Lonicera caerulea and are prized for their unique, elongated blue-black berries.

• Identifying Honeyberries: Honeyberries grow on shrub-like plants, not climbing vines, and produce fruit that resembles a long blueberry. It is crucial to purchase these plants from a reputable nursery rather than assuming a wild specimen is edible. Cross-pollination is often necessary to produce a good crop.
• Culinary Uses: Honeyberries can be used in the same ways as blueberries, added to jams, pies, or eaten fresh. They ripen earlier in the season than many other berries, providing an early crop for gardeners.

Comparison of Honeysuckle Edibility: Berries vs. Flowers

To highlight the importance of correct plant part identification, here is a comparison table:

Plant Part	General Edibility	Common Culinary Uses	Important Considerations
Nectar	Mostly Edible	Can be tasted directly or infused	Safely extracted by pulling the stamen/pistil
Flowers	Often Edible	Syrups, jellies, teas, garnish	Must be from a known, edible species like Japanese or Common honeysuckle
Berries	Highly Toxic (Generally)	Avoid consumption entirely	The berries of most species, including common climbers, are poisonous
Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea)	Edible	Jams, pies, eaten fresh	Grown on shrubs, not vines. Must be positively identified as this specific species
Leaves/Stems	Toxic	Avoid consumption entirely	Contain saponins and other compounds that can cause gastric distress

Practical Steps for Safe Honeysuckle Foraging

1. Positive Identification: Never assume. Use a reliable field guide or app to confirm the exact species of honeysuckle. Pay attention to the growth habit (vine vs. shrub), flower color and shape, and berry characteristics.
2. Stick to Flowers (Usually): Unless you are absolutely certain you have a honeyberry shrub, only consume the flowers and nectar. These are the safest and most commonly edible parts of most honeysuckle varieties.
3. Foraging Etiquette: Always forage responsibly. Only take from areas where you have permission and are sure no chemical sprays have been used. Do not over-harvest.
4. Harvesting Flowers: Collect blooms when they are fresh and vibrant. Gently pinch or snip them off the vine, then wash them thoroughly before use.

Potential Toxic Exposure

If you or someone you know has ingested a part of a honeysuckle plant other than the nectar, or are experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or an irregular heartbeat, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. Even mildly toxic species can cause significant discomfort, and large quantities can be dangerous. Be prepared to describe the plant you believe was consumed to a poison control center or medical professional.

In Summary: A Call for Caution

While the sweet allure of honeysuckle flowers is a delight, it is a plant that demands respect and caution from foragers. The potential for dangerous misidentification means that a blanket assumption of edibility is extremely risky. Remember that the flowers and nectar are safe for human consumption in several species, but the berries, leaves, and stems of most are not. The rare, edible exception is the cultivated honeyberry, a species that is distinct from the common climbing varieties. With careful attention to detail and a healthy dose of caution, you can safely appreciate the sweet side of the honeysuckle plant.

Learn more about growing and identifying the edible honeyberry varieties on the RHS Gardening website.

Conclusion

Navigating the edibility of the honeysuckle family is a lesson in nuance. It reinforces the paramount importance of positive identification in foraging, as a delicious treat can be right next to a toxic one. The intoxicating scent of the flower provides a safe and pleasant way to interact with the plant, and for those who cultivate the specific honeyberry species, a rewarding harvest of edible fruit awaits. For the wild forager, the best practice is to stick to the nectar and flowers, and leave the potentially harmful berries alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the berries of any honeysuckle?

No, you should only eat berries from positively identified honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) shrubs, as most other honeysuckle berries are toxic and can cause illness.

Is it safe to drink the nectar from honeysuckle flowers?

Yes, for many common varieties like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), the nectar is safe to sip directly from the flower.

How can I tell if a honeysuckle is edible?

Positive identification is key. Use a reliable field guide and pay attention to whether the plant is a climbing vine or a shrub and the specific characteristics of its flowers and fruit. For beginners, it is safest to assume berries are toxic.

What happens if you eat poisonous honeysuckle berries?

Ingesting toxic honeysuckle berries can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a poison control center or medical professional immediately.

Are Japanese honeysuckle flowers edible?

Yes, the flowers of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are edible and can be used for culinary purposes like making syrups or teas.

Can honeysuckle leaves or stems be eaten?

No, the leaves and stems of most honeysuckle species contain toxic compounds and are not safe for human consumption.

What is the difference between honeysuckle and honeyberry?

Honeysuckle refers to the broader genus Lonicera, most of which have toxic berries. Honeyberry refers specifically to the edible berry-producing species, Lonicera caerulea, which grows as a shrub and not a vine.