Mountain fly honeysuckle
Lonicera villosa
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Pl. 9C51 — Lonicera villosa
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain fly honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera villosa, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America and parts of Canada. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardy from zones 3-9, this plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, mountain fly honeysuckle is both ornamental and useful as a food source in its native range, which includes regions like Alberta, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, and Ontario. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light green leaves and small tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
Quick answers
What is Mountain fly honeysuckle?
Mountain fly honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera villosa, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America and parts of Canada. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain fly honeysuckle thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 3-9, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range. This plant reaches a height of about 1.5 meters and can be propagated through cuttings. The fruit is edible but no specific parts are mentioned for consumption beyond this.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain fly honeysuckle for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Mountain fly honeysuckle in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain fly honeysuckle plants or seeds, garden soil, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that stays moist. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to light shade. Water when dry and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the mountain fly honeysuckle can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 24 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Alberta, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Vermont, Wisconsin, Masachusettes, Minnesota, Newfoundland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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