This Honeysuckle is not a creeper or climber.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mLXJzLXjAfa4IhJJDo9m5jBn-vnENvyxerXwJ-aOrXqnmf6QmXQu61jWPykj9cKbIrjdqSYmGo2GuDZw2ZeEXF7HmpOTGnE6sCZ392S39FI7zoqV88MthdoT38C0WvXn79aezhMkIbo/s640/lonicera+xylosteum-185674z-bl.jpg)
In winter the Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) seems a rather unimpressive bush. Rather small, with grey opposite branches. There are still some oval leaves left, also opposite. They are yellowish and dirty after a long season of photosynthesis.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdhcuspZla-FqKyLGvVTW5whLOE_Bz1HyVTCKzbQDlJnK-rpwTOHYUCVSjRFDy8fAu03pK35azBlwDtnsbvM3ZT_h5tURypB6OKnm6q4HHrA4ZFzZJ6q0ELfBISTlWKGB3xor_UcFvVA/s640/lonicera+xylosteum%252C+for%25C3%25AAt-142293za-bl.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdhcuspZla-FqKyLGvVTW5whLOE_Bz1HyVTCKzbQDlJnK-rpwTOHYUCVSjRFDy8fAu03pK35azBlwDtnsbvM3ZT_h5tURypB6OKnm6q4HHrA4ZFzZJ6q0ELfBISTlWKGB3xor_UcFvVA/s640/lonicera+xylosteum%252C+for%25C3%25AAt-142293za-bl.jpg)
It is quite common in our woodlands, not only at the edges but also in deep shade under the trees, with a slight preference for limestone soils. Here you see it in the midst of summer, you don't think immediately it is a Honeysuckle.
In spring, when it flowers it really looks like a Honeysuckle.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b_-w0VwXA-MHyoNAOAyaQ1VH6XdtchR3lz4alcqvLWMkj9iCGYECKJOEHly0p_2AlA6_RUZnuNO8iXkCHzECT-9AK1AaB2w9yZu6QlM6Y3W9QE1eLL-7dyIlztt0fxIoo9m1GGUbNFs/s640/lonicera+xylosteum-133987za-bl.jpg)
The shape of its leaves, the colour of the young branches, and especially the perfumed flowers: yes, a Honeysuckle. Because the flowers have no long tube, they are accessible to many insects, not only butterflies. Maybe that's why it is called Fly Honeysuckle.
What a joy to find it!