Lonicera ciliosa aka Orange Honeysuckle

Lonicera ciliosa has two common names: western trumpet honeysuckle and orange honeysuckle. It belongs to Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family. This woody vine grows in western Canada and the western United States. Its range runs from British Columbia south to California. Inland, it reaches Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Arizona. It grows in woods and thickets. Sites range from sea level to moderate heights.

This vine sheds its leaves and climbs or sprawls. It winds its stems around supports to climb. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. Some plants climb to 20 feet [6 metres]. Thin, hollow stems often twist around each other. Young stems show red beneath a pale, waxy coat. Thin, reddish-brown bark peels off in shreds. Oval leaves grow in pairs across from each other. Their tops are green or blue-green, with pale coats beneath. Fine hairs edge the leaves, which are otherwise smooth. The top leaf pair forms a disk around the stem.

Flowers range from orange to orange-yellow and bloom in early summer. Each forms a slim tube that flares at its mouth. Dense groups of blooms sit above the joined top leaves. Small bunches of orange-red berries follow the flowers. Light passes through the fruits, which hold several seeds. Flowers and fruits give this vine its main garden appeal. RHS suggests walls, courtyard gardens, and loose, informal planting schemes. Its roots in woodland also suit shaded garden edges.

Part shade suits it best, though it accepts full sun. Give it rich soil that drains well but holds moisture. Oregon State also notes growth in dry to moist soil. Acid soil suits it; RHS lists neutral and alkaline soils too. RHS rates its hardiness H6; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. Prune once the blooms fade. Raise new plants by layering or several types of cuttings. Aphids, thrips, and glasshouse whitefly may attack the vine. Diseases include mildew, fungal leaf spots, and silver leaf. Honey fungus may occur at times.

Sources disagree on whether people can eat the fruit. PFAF lists fruit and flower nectar as safe to eat. Virginia Tech notes reports of mild poisoning. RHS warns that people and pets should not eat the berries. Do not treat this vine as a food plant. PFAF records past uses as medicine. Those uses do not prove that such treatments are safe. PFAF also notes the use of stem fibre for mats, bags, and blankets. Indigenous peoples used the stems to lash things together and for building work.