California Honeysuckle
Lonicera involucrata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Lonicera involucrata is a native deciduous shrub found across western North America from California to Wyoming. It produces yellow tubular flowers from May through August that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
California Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag California Honeysuckle as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Honeysuckle is an attractive native shrub with bright yellow flowers nestled in distinctive purple-red bracts. It grows as a medium-sized woody shrub, providing several months of flowering followed by showy black berries. This adaptable plant thrives in partly shaded areas with medium moisture.
Growing California Honeysuckle
Grow California Honeysuckle in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Honeysuckle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Can appear somewhat informal/wild if not occasionally pruned
- Deciduous nature means seasonal bare branches
- May spread beyond intended boundaries without management
Wildlife value
This honeysuckle provides excellent habitat and food for wildlife. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, while bees and butterflies visit for nectar, and birds feed on the dark berries that follow.
Common questions
- Where does California Honeysuckle naturally grow?
- Lonicera involucrata is native to 13 western and northern states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- When does Lonicera involucrata bloom?
- California Honeysuckle typically blooms from May through August, producing yellow tubular flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds.
- What pollinators visit California Honeysuckle?
- Lonicera involucrata attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its nectar-rich yellow flowers during the summer blooming period.
- Is California Honeysuckle toxic to dogs?
- California Honeysuckle is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is California Honeysuckle toxic to cats?
- California Honeysuckle is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is California Honeysuckle toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Honeysuckle as toxic to livestock.
- Is California Honeysuckle HOA-friendly?
- California Honeysuckle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow California 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