Chinese Honeysuckle Lonicera tragophylla

Names

• Synonyms

  Golden Honeysuckle, Chinese Honeysuckle

• Common names

  Caprifolium tragophyllum, Caprifolium yunnanense, Nintooa tragophylla.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Lonicera tragophylla, commonly known as the honeysuckle, is not typically regarded as a poisonous plant to humans. However, it is worth noting that some species of honeysuckle can contain saponins or cyanogenic glycosides which, if ingested in large quantities, could potentially cause illness. Symptoms of poisoning could include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although rare, it is advised to be cautious and not consume parts of plants not typically recognized as edible to prevent any possible adverse effects.

• To pets

  Honeysuckle, known scientifically as Lonicera tragophylla, is generally not considered highly toxic to pets. However, as with their effects on humans, honeysuckle plants can contain saponins or cyanogenic glycosides that may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While serious poisoning is uncommon, it is important to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants and to monitor for any signs of illness after ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  10 feet (3 meters)

• Spread

  10 feet (3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lonicera tragophylla, commonly known as the Chinese honeysuckle, has vibrant flowers that enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
• Attracts Wildlife: The plant is known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the ecosystem and for pollination of nearby plants.
• Fragrance: Chinese honeysuckle emits a pleasant scent that can create a fragrant environment in the areas where it is planted.
• Shade and Shelter: It can provide shade and shelter for smaller plants and garden wildlife when grown over arbors or trellises.
• Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion when planted on slopes or banks.
• Privacy Screen: When used as a hedge or climbing over fences, Chinese honeysuckle can act as a natural privacy screen.
• Ornamental Uses: Due to its attractive appearance, it is often used in horticulture for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks.
• Versatility: This plant can be trained to grow in various forms such as ground cover, climbing vines, or even as small shrubs, making it versatile for different garden designs.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lonicera tragophylla, commonly known as the Chinese honeysuckle, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, with its flowers potentially yielding a range of colors.
• The wood of the Chinese honeysuckle can be utilized in small woodworking projects, such as making handles for tools, due to its strength.
• Fibers from the Chinese honeysuckle's stems can be woven to create baskets or other craft items, as they are both flexible and durable.
• The Chinese honeysuckle's quick growth makes it suitable for use in controlling soil erosion on slopes or riverbanks.
• This plant can be used in creating a privacy screen or green wall in a garden, due to its dense foliage and rapid growth habit.
• Extract from the flowers of the Chinese honeysuckle can be used as a natural fragrance for perfumes or scented candles, although this is not a common practice.
• In landscaping, the Chinese honeysuckle can be trained to grow over arbors or pergolas, providing aesthetic appeal with its hanging flowers.
• Due to its attractive blossoms, artists and photographers may use the Chinese honeysuckle as a subject in their work or as a backdrop for portraits.
• Leaves from the Chinese honeysuckle can be used in composting to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil as they decompose.
• The vines of the Chinese honeysuckle can be used to create natural artistic sculptures, as they can be shaped and trained while growing.

Feng Shui

The plant Lonicera tragophylla, commonly known as the Honeysuckle, is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love: As a honeysuckle plant, Lonicera tragophylla is often associated with love and affection due to its sweet and inviting fragrance which is considered to attract love and positive attention.
• Devotion: The plant's ability to tightly twine around structures symbolizes strong bonds and devotion in relationships, suggesting steadfastness and loyalty.
• Generosity: The ample nectar of honeysuckle blooms symbolizes generosity and giving, as it provides nourishment for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
• Happiness: The bright and cheerful flowers of Lonicera tragophylla are often seen as a symbol of happiness and joyfulness, bringing light and positivity to gardens.
• Protection: In traditional folklore, honeysuckles are sometimes planted near homes for their believed ability to ward off negative energies and to act as a natural protector.