The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Canadian fly honeysuckle, American fly honeysuckle

Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family)

Distribution: e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: This deciduous flowering shrub produces young stems that are green to purplish and smooth while the older ones are woody, gray or brown, with shredding bark. It can grow up to 7 ft. tall, but usually matures at 4 ft. tall. It typically flowers at the end of April through May, producing twin bell-shaped pale green-yellow flowers. The fruit attracts a variety of birds including the American Robin and Northern Cardinal. Joined twin red fruits are also quite typical. It was used as a medicinal plant by several Native American tribes to treat various urinary and blood diseases.