Blue Honeysuckle
Lonicera caerulea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Blue honeysuckle is a compact, edible-fruited shrub that produces small white flowers in late spring followed by blue berries in summer. This hardy native forms a neat, rounded bush that works well in partial shade locations. The berries are prized by both wildlife and humans for their blueberry-like flavor.
In an HOA neighborhood
Blue Honeysuckle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the blooming period from May through July. Birds enjoy the nutritious blue berries that ripen in midsummer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Blue Honeysuckle need?
- Blue Honeysuckle grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Blue Honeysuckle bloom?
- Blue Honeysuckle blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Blue Honeysuckle native?
- Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Blue Honeysuckle attract?
- Blue Honeysuckle draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Blue Honeysuckle HOA-friendly?
- Blue Honeysuckle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Blue Honeysuckle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz