January 30, 2019

Fly Honeysuckle


This Honeysuckle is not a creeper or climber.





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.




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.




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!