Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle are low growing shrubs that grow in thickets. They are resilient plants, often forming mounds in shady areas, growing quickly. These flowers bloom in early summer, and the fruits form in autumn and stay through the winter. Their fruit capsules are scaly and woody, like the stem. The flowers are funnel shaped and yellow, while the leaves are oval and tapered toward the top. These flowers contain sweet nectar to attract pollinators like many bumblebees and hummingbirds. Leaves, buds, and twigs are eaten by native moose, deer, and caribou. Honeysuckle is a plant often overlooked. It scatters across the forest floor and on roadsides, neglected by most and enjoyed by few. But it feels like home. On a sunny summer days during my childhood I would go to Grandma’s house. The summer air was inviting and it was never too warm. To pass time we would walk the block around her house, often stopping to look at squirrels scamper ahead, dogs walking beside friendly neighbors, and native plants.

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Our favorite was honeysuckle. I had never see this plant before, it’s yellow buds looked fresh, its leaves smooth to the touch, and bumblebees danced from flower to flower. My grandma reached for a bud and picked it from the plant. She then pitched the end and placed that end in her mouth. I was surprised, these plants were on the side of the road, but she said they have sweet nectar. When she was a child she would also go on a stroll around the neighborhood looking for honeysuckle, and it was a nice treat. To this day I always look for honeysuckle, and I still remember that eventful afternoon. Thanks you grandma and thank you honeysuckle.