Orange Honeysuckle Vine

Lonicera ciliosa

Caprifoliaceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun-Shade
• Size: 20' - 30' long vine
• Fruit: Red-Orange berries
• Drought Tolerant: Moderate
• Evergreen: No
• Flowers Color: Brilliant orange to orange-red (May-July)
• Wildlife Value:  Flowers are hummingbird magnets; attracts butterflies and bees; berries eaten by birds including robins and waxwings; provides nesting sites and cover

Orange Honeysuckle is a stunning native deciduous twining vine that climbs 20-30 feet, creating dramatic vertical interest. Remarkably adaptable, it thrives in conditions from full sun to full shade, though it blooms most profusely with adequate sunlight. This vigorous climber grows naturally along forest edges, in open woodlands, and climbing through trees and shrubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. It prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils but adapts to various conditions once established.

The distinctive feature that makes this honeysuckle instantly recognizable is the unique arrangement of its uppermost leaves—they're fused together forming circular, saucer-shaped discs that frame the flower clusters like nature's own decorative plates. The oval, blue-green leaves are 2-3 inches long and grow in opposite pairs. From May through July, dramatic clusters of 1-2 inch long tubular flowers emerge from the center of these disc-like leaves. The brilliant orange to orange-red blooms are spectacular, creating a stunning display against the foliage. By late summer, translucent red-orange berries develop, adding another season of interest and wildlife value.

Orange Honeysuckle is an absolute hummingbird magnet—the tubular orange flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbird pollination, and these birds are frequent visitors throughout the blooming season. The flowers also attract butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Birds including robins, waxwings, and thrushes consume the berries. The dense vine provides excellent nesting sites and protective cover for birds and small mammals. Unlike its invasive Asian cousins, this native honeysuckle is well-behaved and beneficial. Indigenous peoples had various uses for the plant, though the berries are generally considered inedible for humans.

Excellent for growing on fences, trellises, arbors, rock walls, and through trees and shrubs. Provides spectacular summer color in vertical spaces while supporting hummingbirds and other wildlife. Works beautifully in woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, and wildlife gardens. Good companions include serviceberry, Oregon grape, sword fern, and native shrubs. The vine is not invasive and doesn't require aggressive pruning. Plant where you can watch hummingbirds visit the flowers. A beautiful alternative to invasive non-native honeysuckles, combining ornamental value with significant wildlife benefits for Spokane-area landscapes.