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Common Name: Bush Honeysuckle

General Information

Diervilla lonicera is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida.

Habitat

Dry gravelly soils[] in woodlands[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a moist fertile well-drained soil and is not fussy as to soil type[]. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade[].
Plants are hardy to about -30°c[].
This species is a spreading suckering plant[], it makes a useful understorey planting in woodlands[].
Any pruning can be carried out in the winter or after flowering[]. 2 or 3 year old stems can be removed in order to promote a more shapely bush[]. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are diuretic[]. A compound decoction has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[]. This contrasts with a report that the leaves contain a narcotic principle, inducing nausea[]. The plant is used as a gargle in catarrhal angina[].
The root is diuretic, galactogogue, laxative and ophthalmic[]. A cooled infusion has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes[].
The bark is laxative and ophthalmic[]. An infusion has been used to increase milk flow in a nursing mother and as an eyewash for sore eyes[].

Other Uses

The plants stoloniferous habit makes it useful for soil stabilization on banks and slopes[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division of suckers in the spring[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a frame[].