Johnston’s Honeysuckle: A Rare California Native Worth Knowing About
If you’ve stumbled across the name Johnston’s honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata var. johnstonii), you’ve discovered one of California’s botanical mysteries. This extremely rare native honeysuckle is more of a conservation treasure than a garden plant, but it’s worth understanding what makes this shrub so special—and why you probably won’t find it at your local nursery.
What Is Johnston’s Honeysuckle?
Johnston’s honeysuckle is a perennial shrub native to California, representing a very rare variety of the broader Lonicera subspicata species. Like other honeysuckles, it’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically grows less than 13-16 feet tall, though this particular variety’s exact characteristics are poorly documented in horticultural literature.
You might also see this plant referenced by its scientific synonym, Lonicera johnstonii, in older botanical texts. However, the current accepted name reflects its status as a variety of the more widespread Lonicera subspicata.
Where Does It Grow?
This rare honeysuckle is endemic to California, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else in the world. However, its exact distribution within the state is extremely limited and poorly documented, making it one of those needle in a haystack plants that botanists and plant enthusiasts dream of encountering in the wild.
The Rarity Factor: Why This Isn’t Your Garden-Variety Honeysuckle
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit concerning. Johnston’s honeysuckle appears to be extraordinarily rare, with very limited documentation about its current populations, growing requirements, or even basic horticultural characteristics. This level of rarity puts it firmly in the look but don’t touch category for most gardeners.
When a native plant is this uncommon, removing specimens from wild populations—even for well-intentioned garden cultivation—can harm the species’ survival prospects. Additionally, the lack of cultivation information means we simply don’t know how to grow it successfully outside its natural habitat.
Should You Try to Grow Johnston’s Honeysuckle?
The short answer is: probably not. Here’s why:
- Extreme rarity makes this plant unsuitable for general cultivation
- Limited availability means you’re unlikely to find responsibly sourced plants
- Unknown growing requirements make successful cultivation difficult
- Conservation concerns outweigh gardening desires
Better Alternatives for Your Native Garden
If you’re drawn to native honeysuckles for your California garden, consider these more readily available and better-documented alternatives:
- Chaparral honeysuckle (Lonicera interrupta)
- Twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)
- Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa)
These species offer similar aesthetic appeal and wildlife benefits while being much more suitable for garden cultivation and available through native plant nurseries.
The Bigger Picture
Johnston’s honeysuckle serves as a reminder that not every native plant belongs in our gardens—sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is protect rare species in their natural habitats. If you’re passionate about supporting California’s native plant diversity, consider volunteering with local botanical surveys, supporting habitat conservation efforts, or focusing your gardening efforts on more common native species that can truly benefit from increased cultivation.
While we may not be able to welcome Johnston’s honeysuckle into our gardens, knowing about its existence helps us appreciate the incredible diversity of California’s native flora and the importance of protecting these botanical treasures for future generations.
