Tatarian Honeysuckle
Lonicera tatarica
- Native to:
- China, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, North Caucasus, Russia, Transcaucasus
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Lonicera
- Species:
- Lonicera tatarica
- USDA Symbol:
- LOTA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, red
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia), Hitched Arch (Melanchra adjuncta), Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella, Polia purpurissata, Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis), Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire or cutting.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open woodlands and forest edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification. Germination can be erratic without pretreatment.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI