Lonicera utahensis
S.Watson.
Utah Honeysuckle
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Description
Lonicera utahensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
Laxative Salve. The branches are mildly laxative. An infusion of the branches and leaves has been used as a wash on sores and infections.
Distribution
Western N. America - British Columbia to Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia), United States (Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah)
Cultivation
Grows best in a good moist soil in a sunny position, it does not fruit so well in the shade. Closely related to L. canadensis.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with or without a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with or without a heel, November in a cold frame. Good percentage. Layering in autumn.
