Lonicera tatarica aka Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica, or Tatarian honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Its native range spans eastern Europe, central Siberia, and parts of China. It has spread beyond gardens across much of North America. It grows in woods, thickets, along fences, and beside roads. Birds and mammals carry its seeds to new sites.

Garden plants reach about 8–12 feet [2.4–3.7 metres] tall and wide. RHS gives an upper size of 13 feet [4 metres]. Several stems form a dense, rounded crown with arching tips. The shrub grows fast and opens its leaves early. Its opposite, simple leaves have smooth edges and an oval shape. They look blue-green or dark green, with paler undersides. The leaves add little fall color before they drop. Older bark turns gray-brown and peels in thin, upright strips. The slender twigs have hollow centers.

Paired flowers grow where the leaves meet the stems. They bloom in May and June. Each tube ends in five lobes. Flowers range from pink to red, with some white blooms. Sources differ on scent: NC State reports fragrance; Oregon State reports none. Bees, moths, and hummingbirds visit and pollinate the flowers. Small, round berries turn orange or red as they ripen. Fruit colors in summer and may stay through winter. Birds eat the berries and spread the many seeds. The shrub also hosts hummingbird moth larvae.

It grows in full sun or part shade. It favors moist, fertile soil that drains well. Yet it also tolerates dry ground and many soil types. These include sand, loam, clay, and stony soil. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–8 and UK rating H7. Gardeners have used it for tall hedges, screens, and borders. It also provides cover and food for wildlife. Its size can overwhelm small home gardens.

Its spread makes it a poor choice for new planting. Dense stands can crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity. Several states list it as a noxious weed. Russian aphids can cause witches' broom, a mass of distorted shoots. Leaf spot, mildew, and blights can also occur. Dead twigs need removal, though dense branches can hinder pruning. The berries are not food for people or pets. They contain saponins and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. NC State rates the poisoning risk as low.