Mountain Fly Honeysuckle: A Hardy Native Shrub for Northern Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, no-fuss native shrub that’ll make both you and local wildlife happy, let me introduce you to mountain fly honeysuckle (Lonicera villosa var. calvescens). This charming little shrub might not have the flashiest name, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a wonderful addition to gardens across the northern United States and Canada.
Where Does Mountain Fly Honeysuckle Come From?
Mountain fly honeysuckle is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, making it a true North American gem. You’ll find this hardy shrub growing naturally across an impressive range that includes New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nunavut, Labrador, and Newfoundland in Canada. In the United States, it calls Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont home.
What Does It Look Like?
Mountain fly honeysuckle is a perennial, multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically stays nice and manageable at under 13-16 feet tall – though most specimens you’ll encounter are much smaller. Like most shrubs, it sends up several stems from or near the ground, creating a lovely bushy appearance that works beautifully in naturalized settings.
In late spring to early summer, this delightful shrub produces small, tubular white to yellowish flowers that may be modest in size but pack a punch when it comes to attracting pollinators. Later in the season, these blooms give way to blue-black berries that wildlife absolutely love.
Why Should You Plant Mountain Fly Honeysuckle?
Here’s where this unassuming shrub really shines:
- It’s incredibly hardy – thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2-6, this plant can handle some seriously cold temperatures
- Wildlife magnet – the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, while the berries feed birds throughout the season
- Low maintenance – once established, mountain fly honeysuckle pretty much takes care of itself
- Native plant benefits – you’re supporting local ecosystems and providing habitat for native wildlife
- Versatile placement – works well in partial shade to full sun conditions
Perfect Garden Spots for Mountain Fly Honeysuckle
This adaptable native works wonderfully in several garden styles:
- Woodland gardens – perfect as an understory shrub beneath taller trees
- Native plant gardens – a natural choice for supporting local ecosystems
- Wildlife gardens – the pollinator and bird benefits make it a must-have
- Naturalized areas – excellent for more casual, low-maintenance landscape areas
Growing Mountain Fly Honeysuckle Successfully
The good news? This shrub is refreshingly easy to grow. Mountain fly honeysuckle adapts well to various soil types and thrives in both partial shade and full sun conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but won’t throw a tantrum if conditions aren’t perfect.
Here are some simple tips for success:
- Location – choose a spot with partial shade to full sun
- Soil – well-draining soil is preferred, but it’s quite adaptable
- Watering – keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment
- Pruning – minimal pruning needed; if desired, prune lightly after flowering
- Spacing – allow room for the natural multi-stem growth habit
The Bottom Line
Mountain fly honeysuckle might not be the showiest plant in the garden center, but it’s exactly the kind of reliable, beneficial native that makes gardening easier and more rewarding. If you’re gardening in zones 2-6 and want a low-maintenance shrub that supports local wildlife while adding gentle beauty to your landscape, this hardy honeysuckle deserves a spot in your garden. Your local bees, butterflies, and birds will definitely thank you!
