Herb latin name: Lonicera caerulea


Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)



Edible parts of Lonicera caerulea:

The following report is for the closely related L. villosa, it would be worthwhile experimenting with this plant to check on edibility. The fruit of this species is about 5mm in diameter. Fruit - raw or preserved. A milder flavour than most edible honeysuckles, they can be eaten raw but are mainly used in making jams, jellies and refreshing drinks.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Low ground.

Propagation of Lonicera caerulea:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with or without a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with or without a heel, November in a cold frame. Good percentage. Layering in autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Low ground.

Medicinal use of Lonicera caerulea:

None known

Known hazards of Lonicera caerulea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.