Diervilla lonicera aka Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera is a small shrub called bush honeysuckle. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Its native range spans Canada and the eastern and central United States. It grows from Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan, and south to Tennessee and North Carolina. Wild plants grow in dry, rocky woods and thickets. This shrub loses its leaves each fall. Dense branches and spreading suckers help it form low mounds and colonies.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread is about 4–5 feet [1.2–1.5 metres]. Slender twigs start greenish red, then turn light brown. Older bark turns gray or reddish brown and sheds fine strips. Leaves grow in pairs along the stems. They have pointed tips and toothed edges. Each leaf is about 2–4 inches long. The upper surface is green, with a paler underside. New leaves may show bronze tones in spring. Fall leaves can turn yellow, orange, red, or reddish purple.

Small flowers form clusters in late spring and early summer. The main bloom period runs from June through July. Each flower has a narrow tube and spreading petals. The flowers open yellow and may turn orange or red. They resemble true honeysuckle flowers, though this plant belongs to another genus. The blooms draw butterflies and hummingbirds. Dry capsules follow the flowers rather than fleshy berries. These fruits have long points and fine hairs at their tips.

Grow this shrub in sun or partial shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, chalky, and clay soils. Soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Good drainage matters, but moisture can range from dry to moist. The plant tolerates drought and grows best where summers stay cool. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 3–7; RHS rates it H5. It needs little upkeep. Prune as needed just after bloom. New plants can come from cuttings or separated suckers. Use it for low hedges, borders, woodland gardens, or slopes. Its spreading growth can help hold soil on banks.

Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon, but problems can occur. These include aphids, thrips, whitefly, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. RHS also lists silver leaf and rare honey fungus. Plants For A Future records no known food uses. It lists past medicinal uses for leaves, roots, and bark. The same source reports that leaves may cause nausea. Those records do not establish that the plant is safe to eat.