Native Honeysuckle in Canada: A Beneficial Beauty

Native Honeysuckle in Canada: A Beneficial Beauty

Honeysuckle is a beloved plant known for its sweet fragrance, vibrant flowers, and ecological importance. But not all honeysuckles are created equal—while some species are invasive and harmful to local ecosystems, Canada’s native honeysuckle plays a vital role in supporting pollinators and traditional medicine.

What Is Honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is a flowering shrub or vine belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. It’s easily recognized by its:

• Trumpet-shaped flowers (often orange, yellow, or pink)
• Sweet, nectar-rich blooms that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
• Opposite leaves (growing in pairs along the stem)
• Berries (though not all are edible—some are toxic!)

Native vs. Invasive Honeysuckle: Know the Difference

Not all honeysuckles are welcome in Canadian ecosystems. Many invasive species, like Lonicera morrowii and Lonicera tatarica, were introduced from Asia and Europe. These aggressive growers outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity.

How to tell them apart?

Feature	Native Honeysuckle	Invasive Honeysuckle
Stem	Solid pith (inside is white & firm)	Hollow pith (inside is empty)
Leaves	Toothed edges, often fuzzy	Smooth edges, hairless
Ecological Role	Supports pollinators, doesn’t spread aggressively	Chokes out native plants, harms ecosystems

Canada’s native species, such as Swamp Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera oblongifolia) and Glaucous Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), are valuable to wildlife and foragers alike.

Honeysuckle in Indigenous Traditions: Medicine & Spirituality

The First Peoples of Canada have long recognized honeysuckle’s medicinal and spiritual significance. Different nations incorporated the plant into healing practices, ceremonies, and daily life.

1. Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Uses

• Medicine: The Haudenosaunee used honeysuckle leaves and stems in decoctions to treat urinary infections and fever.
• Spiritual Significance: The sweet nectar symbolized the generosity of nature, and the flowers were sometimes used in gratitude ceremonies.

2. Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) Traditions

• Healing Teas: The leaves were brewed into a cooling tea to reduce inflammation and fevers.
• Protective Charm: Some Anishinaabe healers carried honeysuckle vines as a protective talisman against negative energies.

3. Mi’kmaq & Wabanaki Applications

• Respiratory Relief: Honeysuckle flower infusions were used to soothe sore throats and coughs.
• Basket Weaving: Flexible honeysuckle vines were sometimes used in crafting small baskets and bindings.

4. Cree & Métis Practices

• Wound Care: Poultices made from crushed leaves were applied to minor cuts and skin irritations.
• Children’s Remedy: The sweet nectar was given to children as a gentle digestive aid.

For many Indigenous cultures, honeysuckle was more than just a plant—it was a gift from the land, embodying both practical and sacred roles. Harvesting was done with gratitude, often accompanied by offerings or prayers to honor its spirit.

Traditional Uses of Honeysuckle

Beyond Indigenous traditions, honeysuckle has been cherished for centuries for its edible and medicinal properties:

• Nectar Sipping – Children (and adults!) have long enjoyed plucking the flowers and sucking out the sweet nectar.
• Floral Syrups & Mead – The fragrant blossoms make delicious syrups, teas, and even honeysuckle mead.
• Medicinal Decoctions – Leaves and stems can be brewed into a cooling tea to reduce fever, inflammation, and water retention.
• Poultices – Crushed leaves were traditionally applied to soothe skin irritations and minor wounds.

Forager’s Guide: Sustainable Harvesting & Uses

If you’re lucky enough to find native honeysuckle, here’s how to harvest it responsibly:

1. Identifying & Harvesting

• Flowers – Pick in early summer when fully open. Avoid overharvesting—leave plenty for pollinators.
• Leaves & Stems – Gather young, healthy leaves in spring or early summer. Never strip a single plant bare.
• Berries – Caution! Many native honeysuckle berries are mildly toxic—research before consuming.

2. Preserving Honeysuckle

• Drying – Hang flower clusters upside-down in a dark, well-ventilated space for teas.
• Infusions – Steep fresh flowers in honey or vinegar for culinary use.
• Freezing – Freeze blooms in ice cubes for a floral summer drink.

3. Benefits of Each Plant Part

• Flowers – Antioxidant-rich, great for syrups and relaxing teas.
• Leaves & Stems – Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and fever-reducing when brewed as tea.
• Bark (in moderation) – Historically used for its astringent properties.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Native Honeysuckle

Unlike its invasive cousins, Canada’s native honeysuckle is a friend to both nature and foragers. By learning to identify, sustainably harvest, and use this plant, we can enjoy its gifts while protecting local ecosystems.

Honeysuckle Leaf & Stem Tea: A Traditional Refreshing Brew

Native honeysuckle leaves and young stems make a wonderfully soothing tea with a delicate, slightly grassy flavor. Traditionally used to support fever recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote gentle detoxification, this tea is easy to make with fresh or dried plant material.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh honeysuckle leaves and tender green stems (or ¼ cup dried)
• 4 cups water
• Optional: Honey, mint, or lemon for flavor

Instructions:

1. Harvesting Sustainably

• Choose young, vibrant leaves and green stems (avoid older, woody stems).
• Never take more than ⅓ of a single plant to ensure it continues to thrive.

2. Preparing the Tea

• Fresh Method:
• Rinse leaves and stems gently to remove dirt.
• Chop or bruise them lightly to release their oils.
• Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat.
• Add the plant material, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes (longer for stronger medicinal effects).
• Strain and enjoy warm or chilled.
• Dried Method:
• Dry leaves and stems in a shady, well-ventilated area for 1–2 weeks.
• Once fully dried, store in an airtight container.
• Use 1 tablespoon per cup of hot water, steep for 10 minutes, then strain.

3. Flavor Enhancements (Optional)

• Add honey for sweetness.
• Mix with mint or lemon balm for a refreshing twist.
• Chill and serve over ice as a cooling summer drink.

Medicinal Benefits of This Tea:

• Fever reducer (diaphoretic—helps the body sweat out a fever)
• Anti-inflammatory (soothes sore throats and swollen glands)
• Mild diuretic (supports kidney function and reduces water retention)

Caution:

• Avoid if pregnant or nursing (limited traditional use in these cases).
• Do not use invasive honeysuckle species—stick to native varieties.