Smooth Honeysuckle
Lonicera dioica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lonicera dioica is a native climbing honeysuckle that produces yellow tubular flowers from May through June across eastern and central North America. This deciduous vine attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to woodland edges and prairie borders.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–240" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AR, CT, GA, IA and 27 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Smooth honeysuckle is a native climbing vine that produces tubular yellow to reddish flowers in late spring and early summer. Unlike its invasive cousins, this North American native stays well-behaved and provides excellent wildlife habitat. The vine climbs by twining and can cover fences, trellises, or arbors with attractive oval leaves.
Growing Smooth Honeysuckle
Grow Smooth Honeysuckle in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 240 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
Smooth Honeysuckle is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Requires support structure to look intentional
- Can appear messy without regular pruning
- May be confused with invasive honeysuckle varieties
Wildlife value
This native honeysuckle is a magnet for hummingbirds, which are specially adapted to reach the nectar in its tubular flowers. It also attracts native bees and butterflies, and produces berries that feed songbirds.
Common questions
- When does Smooth Honeysuckle bloom?
- Lonicera dioica blooms from May through June, producing clusters of yellow tubular flowers.
- What pollinators visit Smooth Honeysuckle?
- Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of Lonicera dioica.
- Where is Smooth Honeysuckle native?
- This species is native across much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Wyoming and south to Georgia and Arkansas.
- What growing conditions does Smooth Honeysuckle prefer?
- Lonicera dioica grows well in full sun to partial shade with medium moisture levels, making it adaptable to various garden conditions.
- Is Smooth Honeysuckle HOA-friendly?
- Smooth 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 Smooth 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