Twining honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica L.

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: NC State has no poison section for this plant, so no NC State severity or dermatitis fields are recorded

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page found for Lonicera dioica. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Lonicera dioica L. (NC State, the Red Deer list and Kew WCVP agree). NC State also records the older name Lonicera glaucescens., not on the common name.. NC State says Lonicera dioica is often confused with Lonicera hirsuta. Check the botanical name when buying or identifying; "honeysuckle" covers many different shrubs and vines.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-5b per NC State Plant Toolbox; Red Deer lists it among plants of hardiness zone 3 or below (list-wide qualifier, not a plant-specific statement)
Light: NC State: full sun to partial shade, more flowers in full sun. Red Deer list: part shade to full shade.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading: NC State says a variety of moist to dry soils with good drainage and flowers best on moist soil; Red Deer classes it average to moist. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 3-10 ft tall and 3-6 ft wide; branches arch or twine 3 to 10 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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