Fly Honeysuckle: A Non-Native Shrub for Your Garden
Meet Lonicera ×xylosteoides, commonly known as fly honeysuckle – a perennial shrub that’s found its way into North American landscapes despite not being a native species. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable addition to many garden spaces.
Where You’ll Find Fly Honeysuckle
This non-native honeysuckle has established itself across several states and provinces, reproducing on its own in the wild. You can find it growing in New Brunswick, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It’s one of those plants that, once introduced, has learned to call North America home.
What Makes This Plant Tick
As a perennial shrub, fly honeysuckle develops multiple stems that emerge from or near ground level. Like many shrubs, it can sometimes surprise you by growing taller than expected or developing a more tree-like single stem, depending on the conditions it encounters.
Should You Plant Fly Honeysuckle?
Here’s the thing about Lonicera ×xylosteoides – while it’s not considered invasive or particularly problematic, it’s also not contributing to native ecosystem health the way indigenous plants would. If you’re drawn to honeysuckles for your landscape, consider these factors:
- It’s a non-native species that has naturalized in North America
- Limited information exists about its specific garden performance and benefits
- Native alternatives might provide better support for local wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for this particular honeysuckle hybrid aren’t well-documented. Like many honeysuckles, it likely prefers:
- Moderate moisture levels
- Partial to full sun exposure
- Well-draining soil
- Regular watering during establishment
Consider Native Alternatives
If you’re interested in supporting local ecosystems while still enjoying honeysuckle-like plants, consider researching native honeysuckle species in your region. Native alternatives often provide superior benefits for local pollinators and wildlife while requiring less maintenance once established.
The Bottom Line
Fly honeysuckle represents one of those garden plants that sits in a gray area – it’s not aggressively invasive, but it’s not adding much to native biodiversity either. While you won’t be causing ecological harm by planting it, you might find more rewarding options among native species that offer clearer benefits for both your garden and local wildlife.
Before making your final decision, research what native honeysuckles or similar shrubs thrive in your specific region – you might discover some fantastic alternatives that better serve both your landscape goals and the local ecosystem.
