Amur honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii

Family: CaprifoliaceaeZones: 3a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruits (berries)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

saponins; berries cause severe diarrhea

Hazard route

ingestion

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.

Not assessed for pets. 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.

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.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Tolerates full sun through deep shade per NC State.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State: resistant to heat and drought, dry-soil and drought tolerant; drainage good, moist or occasionally dry. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 10-15 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide

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.

Get the app: coming soon