Lonicera villosa solonis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Lonicera villosa solonis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Peaty or rocky barrens, bogs and bushy places, especially on limestone.
N. America - Minnesota to Newfoundland.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or preserved. A milder flavour than most edible honeysuckles, they can be eaten raw but are mainly used in making jams, jellies and refreshing drinks.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a good moist soil in a sunny position, fruiting less well when grown in the shade. Closely related to L. caerulea. Polymorphic.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with or without a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with or without a heel, November in a cold frame. Good percentage. Layering in autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
L. coerulea edulis. Reg.