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Mountain fly honeysuckle

Lonicera villosa
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Lonicera villosa (Mountain fly honeysuckle) — botanical photograph
Pl. 9C51 — Lonicera villosa
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I

Overview

Mountain fly honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera villosa, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America and parts of Canada. Thriving in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Hardy from zones 3-9, it is well-suited to the climates of regions such as Alberta, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, North Caucasus, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The fruit of the mountain fly honeysuckle is edible and can be enjoyed raw or used in jams and jellies, making it a valuable food source in its native range. Its light green leaves and small tubular flowers, which attract pollinators, add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes. While primarily known for its edible fruit, this plant also serves as an attractive addition to natural settings and can be propagated through cuttings.

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. Thriving in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 1.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Mountain fly honeysuckle thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This plant grows to a height of 1.5 meters and is native to a wide range of northeastern and northwestern North American states and provinces. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed directly.
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. 1

    What you'll need

    Mountain fly honeysuckle plants or seeds, garden soil, water 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

    Choose a location with light to medium soil that stays moist. Ensure good drainage.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after preparing the soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to light shade. Water when dry and mulch to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and encourage flowering.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the mountain fly honeysuckle can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

24 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 24 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Vermont, Wisconsin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Lonicera villosa (Mountain fly honeysuckle) — botanical photograph
Mountain fly honeysuckle (Lonicera villosa)
XI

Explore further

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About this entry

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