Lonicera etrusca

'Etruscan Honeysuckle'

[Ex. Babuna 1210 m., Macedonia]

Caprifoliaceae: a strong-growing deciduous climber 4cm. Found in woodland, hedgerows or scrubland. Clusters of fragrant, tubular cream flowers that age to deep yellow. Blooming from May – August. The flowers are followed by orange-red berries. Dark reddish stems, and glaucous grey-green foliage. Native to the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Apennine Peninsula, the Balkan Peninsula, Switzerland, Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa and is naturalized in the Crimean Peninsula.

USES:

The whole plant is toxic, but infusion of bark has been used as an emetic for food poisoning.

This species has ornamental value, especially in its fragrance. Suited for the greening of walls, as well as suited as climbers on fences and as climbers in trees.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Seed requires around two months of cold stratification, so best sown in the autumn or very early in the spring. Succeeds in most soils from acid to base-rich. Prefers its roots in the shade with its shoots climbing up into the sun. Plants will succeed even in quite deep shade. The flowers are very fragrant, especially in the evening when it attracts pollinating moths and butterflies. Honeysuckle is an important food for many caterpillars including the larvae of the rare white admiral butterfly.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX 20 SEEDS