Mountain Fly Honeysuckle: A Hardy Native Shrub for Northern Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, native shrub that can handle harsh northern climates while providing food for wildlife, mountain fly honeysuckle (Lonicera villosa var. villosa) might be just what your garden needs. This unassuming but valuable perennial shrub brings both beauty and ecological benefits to the right landscape.
What is Mountain Fly Honeysuckle?
Mountain fly honeysuckle is a native North American shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t related to the invasive honeysuckles that many gardeners worry about. This is a well-behaved native species that plays an important role in its natural ecosystems.
You might also see this plant listed under its scientific synonym, Lonicera caerulea var. villosa, but Lonicera villosa var. villosa is the currently accepted name.
Where Does It Naturally Grow?
This hardy shrub is native to a impressive range across northern North America. You’ll find it naturally growing in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nunavut, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Labrador, and Newfoundland. It’s also native to St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Why Consider Mountain Fly Honeysuckle for Your Garden?
Here are several compelling reasons to give this native shrub a spot in your landscape:
- Incredibly hardy: Thrives in USDA zones 2-6, making it perfect for challenging northern climates
- Wildlife magnet: The small white to yellowish flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies in spring
- Berry bonus: Produces blue-black berries that birds absolutely love
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite self-sufficient
- Native benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife that evolved alongside it
What Does It Look Like?
Mountain fly honeysuckle won’t win any flashy flower contests, but it has a quiet charm. In spring, it produces small, delicate flowers that range from white to pale yellow. These give way to dark blue-black berries that ripen in summer. The overall form is that of a typical shrub – multiple stems arising from the base with a naturally rounded shape.
Perfect Garden Settings
This native shrub shines in several garden situations:
- Woodland gardens: Excellent as an understory plant beneath taller trees
- Wildlife gardens: A must-have for gardeners focused on supporting native wildlife
- Naturalistic landscapes: Fits perfectly in gardens designed to mimic natural ecosystems
- Northern gardens: Ideal where extreme cold limits other shrub options
Growing Conditions and Care
Mountain fly honeysuckle is refreshingly easy to please:
- Light: Partial shade to full sun, though it appreciates some protection in hotter areas
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to various soil types
- Water: Likes consistent moisture, especially during establishment
- Climate: Thrives in cool climates and handles extreme cold beautifully
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your mountain fly honeysuckle off to a good start is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in warmer areas
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Minimal pruning needed – just remove any dead or damaged branches
- Once established, it’s quite drought-tolerant, though it performs best with consistent moisture
Is This Shrub Right for You?
Mountain fly honeysuckle is an excellent choice if you garden in zones 2-6 and want to support native wildlife while adding a reliable, low-maintenance shrub to your landscape. It’s particularly valuable for gardeners in northern climates where plant options can be limited.
However, if you’re looking for showy flowers or dramatic foliage, this might not be your star performer. Its beauty lies in its ecological value and quiet reliability rather than flashy garden drama.
Consider mountain fly honeysuckle as part of a native plant community where it can fulfill its natural role as a wildlife-supporting understory shrub. Your local birds and pollinators will definitely thank you for including this native gem in your garden!
