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Utah Honeysuckle

Lonicera utahensisfam. Caprifoliaceae
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Lonicera utahensis (Utah Honeysuckle) — botanical photograph
Pl. 0CC7 — Lonicera utahensis
Lonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensisLonicera utahensis
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Overview

Utah Honeysuckle (Lonicera utahensis) is a shrub native to the western United States and Canada, including regions such as Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Utah Honeysuckle is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or dried. The fruit is often picked when ripe and relished for its sweet flavor, making it a valuable resource for both wildlife and humans. The plant features small, tubular yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. While the fruit is edible, it is not recommended for medicinal use.

Quick answers

What is Utah Honeysuckle?

Utah Honeysuckle (Lonicera utahensis) is a shrub native to the western United States and Canada, including regions such as Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Compare with:American Honeysuckle→Lonicera gracilipes→Lonicera gracilipes glabra→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Utah Honeysuckle thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. This shrub is native to a range including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Propagate through cuttings or seeds. The fruit is edible. Soil pH should be maintained between 6 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers

How to grow Utah Honeysuckle for the first time

7steps

Start with Utah Honeysuckle as a simple, low-maintenance shrub for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Utah Honeysuckle plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 15 cm deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants in the garden or sow seeds directly where they will grow. Cover seeds lightly and keep moist.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage healthy branching and fruit production.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Utah Honeysuckle can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and enjoyed fresh for its sweet flavor. The fruits can also be dried for later use. Skip the detailed recipes; focus on these simple uses instead.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 11 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Lonicera utahensis (Utah Honeysuckle) — botanical photograph
Utah Honeysuckle (Lonicera utahensis)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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