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Honeysuckle grows wild all through the woods here and I look forward to it every year. There’s something about picking it on a walk — the sweet scent, the familiar blossoms — that feels like one of the quiet rewards of paying attention to the season.
I mostly make a glycerite with what I harvest, tucked away for cold and flu season when a sore throat needs something gentle and soothing. But honeysuckle is useful in the kitchen too, and worth bringing in from the woods in whatever quantity you can gather.
If you’ve got honeysuckle growing near you, here’s how to make the most of it.
Proper Identification First
As with any foraging adventure, proper identification is key. Be 100% certain of the identification before ingesting.
Honeysuckle flowers are edible. Honeysuckle berries are often poisonous. The stems and vines may also be poisonous in some types.
When using honeysuckle stick to using the flower blossoms only and leave the rest of the plant behind. Most honeysuckle plants are edible and safe.
Types of Honeysuckle
There are a number of different types of honeysuckle. Over 30 native varieties in the United States alone according to the Native Plant Database.
Their flowers can all be used in the same way no matter the color.
Wild honeysuckle comes in a variety of colors varying between regions. Here are just a few to give you a sample:
Orange Honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa) is native to the western US and Canada. This is a vining plant sometimes reaching heights of 18 feet. .
Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) is native to the western United States and Canada. It often grows in a bush like formation but will also vine if given a support.
Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to much of the eastern and southern United States. It too grows on a vine.
In the United States, many folks plant Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) for landscaping. This variety often grows in large bushes full of yellow and white flowers. It can be quite invasive in some locations, however; so be careful if you decide to plant this variety.
When Does Honeysuckle Bloom?
In most cases honeysuckle blooms spring through summer depending on variety and location.
Once you’ve identified your local honeysuckle, keep track of the bloom time and know that it will likely be the same year after year for your harvesting needs.
How to Harvest Honeysuckle
Simply cut the blossoms from the vine making sure to not cut off the end of the blossom. Try to keep the sweet nectar of the honeysuckle inside the flower.
How to Dry Honeysuckle Flowers
Want to make honeysuckle tea in the winter? Dehydrate the flowers in season to use later.
Simply place the flowers onto wire trays and let sit out of direct sunlight until dry and brittle. This will likely take a few days, depending on humidity and warmth.
Once dry, place into airtight containers and store in a cool, dry place
Honeysuckle Benefits
Tasty as it is, honeysuckle also has some medicinal properties.
Honeysuckle often has a cooling effect on the body making it great for hot flashes, fevers, and sunstroke. Make a simple honeysuckle tea to take advantage of these benefits. It’s delicious hot or iced and perfect for an after-hike beverage.
Make a honeysuckle glycerite to soothe sore throats during cold and flu season. Truly this is my favorite way to use honeysuckle every year.
How to Eat Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is naturally sweet and full of amazing floral flavor making it a perfect flower to bring into the kitchen.
Give it a try in these recipes:
- It’s never a bad idea to home brew those wildflowers into some tasty wine
- Save the bounty of summer for winter, while also making some beautiful gifts with Honeysuckle jelly
- Bake a tasty cake with Honeysuckle & Lemon Pound Cake recipe
This summer admire those honeysuckle blossoms by bringing them into the kitchen. Leave some for the bees and other pollinators but do get creative by using honeysuckle for food and medicine.
Is there any medicinal uses for the berries?
Many honeysuckle berries are downright toxic, so be 100% sure of your identification before ingesting. There is 1 edible variety but again be completely sure of identification. That being said, I’m not aware of medicinal uses for the berries.
@Jenn tennant, No posions the berries do not eat
I use mine to make honeysuckle sorbet.
Ooh that sounds delicious! Do you have a specific recipe please? What ratio of honeysuckle to syrup etc?
@Kerrie, do you have a recipe for the sorbet? This sounds amazing.
In Missouri, honeysuckle are just blooming, as are the linden tree flowers. I can smell them 20′ away… well worth planting a linden tree, and the linden flowers can be used in the same way as honeysuckle flowers. Linden tea is most memorable. My tree is more than 5 years old, and this year it is covered with blossoms making it look like a Christmas tree just dripping with flowers.
In Missouri the honeysuckle is in bloom as are the linden trees. My tree is about 5 years old and is covered solid with blossoms so that I can smell it 20′ away. I’m not aware of any healing properties, but the tea is most memorable and the reason I planted the tree.
Hello from Sweden!
Hope all well!
Is there a specific type / spicies of honeysuckle you would recommend for edible usage? Considering flavor, fragrance and sweetness.
Very much appreciated reeding!
Best,
Jacob
I would ask local nurseries / greenhouses for what would work best in your climate / area. There are a number of different kinds and some can be quite invasive so check with local experts.
Hi, I’m making honeysuckle syrup with dried honeysuckle. I basically take 1 part water, add honeysuckle and steep as if it were tea, and then add my sugar. What I don’t know is, how much honeysuckle should I use to really feel like I’m tapping into the health benefits. 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces hardly feels like enough since it will be consumed minimally as it is used as a sweetener. Basically- how much honeysuckle do I need to use for the potential health benefits?
What health benefits are you seeking from honeysuckle? Let’s start there – what are you using it to treat or address? Also, I’m not a doctor and everyone should truly seek trained medical advice for specific conditions.
Hi I was wondering what uses there are for Japanese Honeysuckle? I’m in eastern North Carolina and it is everywhere haha. I’ve dried the flowers before for loose incense mixes but never used them any other way. I know the vines where used to make baskets by the Cherokee tribes.
You can use Japanese Honeysuckle in the same way as those mentioned here – in fact, it may be slightly more healing than my orange honeysuckle.
Howdy!!
Can i dry honeysuckle leaves for later use?
Thanks😊
The leaves aren’t traditionally used – just the flowers / blossoms.
Hej do you use open flowers or the buds?
You can use both.
Very interesting!
I purchased land about 4 years ago we’re just making our entrance to a part of a land that we haven’t touched. After the trees have been cleared off the land by the landowner before we purchase the land. We are now noticing a lot of medicine and herbal medicine out here. I’m in agricultural one land but this stuff grows wildly on my property. I guess I have the Japanese honeysuckle. Is growing in a big bush. I’ve never seen it before and two today. I’m going to harvest it and see how it goes.
Enjoy all that!
I have an enormous amount how do I preserve it if I go ahead and pick it while the blooms are beautiful other than dehydrating
You can always make jelly.
Forgive me for pointing out that Honeysuckle isn’t just native to America. Many countries across the globe have native Honeysuckle, even Russia. Honeysuckle is native across Europe, Britain and Asia.The Japanese Honeysuckle is the most invasive. Thank you for your natural recipe. 🙏
lonicera morrows
I cannot find a darn specific for pennsylvania if you can eat the leaves or flowers.
I know not berries.
Anyone help me?
I would like recipes for honey suckle remedies