Lonicera dioica aka Smooth Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica is a woody honeysuckle known as limber or red honeysuckle. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Its native range runs from subarctic North America into the central and eastern United States. It reaches North Carolina, where it is rare in mountain sites. Wild plants grow in woods, thickets, bogs, and other wet places. They also occur on sandy or rocky ground at high elevations.

This deciduous plant can sprawl as a shrub or climb nearby plants. Its loose, twining stems give it an arching shape. Garden plants reach 3–10 feet [0.9–3 metres] tall. Their spread is 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres]. Young stems carry a pale, blue-white waxy coat. Older stems turn brown or gray, and their bark peels. Leaves measure 1–3 inches in both length and width. They turn yellow in fall. A firm central stake can shape it into a low, spreading bush.

Flowers open in spring, with Chicago reporting bloom from May to June. Their colors include red, orange, and yellow, with purple also recorded. The flowers form rings near the ends of branches. Each narrow tube ends in two lips and has fused petals. Yellow stamens stand out against the red blooms. Despite the name dioica, each flower has male and female parts. Hummingbirds visit the flowers, and birds eat the fruit. The clustered berries turn bright red or orange-red. Joined upper leaves surround them. Each berry holds three to eight yellow seeds.

Grow this plant in sun or partial shade with good drainage. Moist soil and full sun bring more flowers. It accepts dry soil as well as brief wet spells. Suitable soils include loam, sand, and shallow rocky ground. NC State lists neutral soil and USDA zones 3–5. Chicago lists partial shade and zones 5–9. Pruning is possible, but flowers grow on older stems. Propagation methods include layering, seed, and stem cuttings. Seeds need a cold, moist period before they germinate.

The flowers and bright fruit suit specimen and wildlife plantings. NC State rates maintenance as low and notes that deer tend to avoid it. Powdery mildew may occur, though the source lists no other known pest or disease issues. Native Americans used this plant for several ailments, including fever and urinary problems. Those records describe past use, not proven safety or benefit. The supplied sources do not establish human edibility or toxicity.