Blackberried honeysuckle (Lonicera nigra, Sp. Pl.: 173 (1753))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 173 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lonicera

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mts. of C. & S. Europe

Description

Blackberried Honeysuckle: A European Mountain Gem

Introduction

The Blackberried honeysuckle (Lonicera nigra) is a striking plant native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this member of the Caprifoliaceae family has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and ecological significance.

Description and Characteristics

The Blackberried honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub known for its resilience and adaptability to mountainous terrains. Typically reaching heights of up to two meters, this plant exhibits a robust structure with multiple branches stemming from its base. Its bark, a grayish-brown color, often peels in thin strips, giving it a distinctive appearance among other shrubs in its habitat.

One of the most striking features of Lonicera nigra is its dark, lush foliage. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem, showcasing an elliptical to oblong shape with a deep green hue that provides a stark contrast to the bright, often harsh, backdrop of its mountainous environment.

Flowers and Fruit

The Blackberried honeysuckle produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are not only visually appealing but also highly fragrant. These blossoms, typically a pale yellow to creamy white, bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Following the flowering period, the plant yields its characteristic black berries. These berries are small, round, and shiny, appearing in clusters. While they add to the visual appeal of the plant, it’s important to note that they are not suitable for human consumption due to their toxicity.

Habitat and Ecology

Lonicera nigra thrives in the cool, well-drained soils of the mountainous regions it inhabits. It can commonly be found in the understory of mixed forests, on rocky slopes, and along the edges of clearings. Its preference for higher altitudes and cooler climates makes it a vital component of the mountain ecosystem.

Ecologically, this plant plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, while the berries serve as a food source for various bird species, particularly during the colder months when other food supplies are scarce.

Cultivation and Uses

While not as widely cultivated as some of its more ornamental relatives, the Blackberried honeysuckle can be an attractive addition to suitable gardens, especially those aiming to replicate alpine or woodland conditions. It requires minimal maintenance once established, provided it is situated in a location that mimics its natural mountainous habitat.

Beyond its ornamental use, Lonicera nigra also holds potential value for conservation efforts. Its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion makes it a useful plant for reforestation and habitat restoration projects in mountainous areas.

Conclusion

The Blackberried honeysuckle, with its resilient nature, beautiful foliage, and ecological significance, is a plant that embodies the rugged charm and adaptability of the European mountain flora. Recognized since the 18th century, it continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and conservationists, serving as a reminder of the intricate relationships within mountainous ecosystems and the beauty inherent in their flora.

Common Names

Deu: schwarze heckenkirsche
Fra: camérisier noir
Swe: svarttry
En: Blackberried Honeysuckle
Be: Бружмель чорны
Bg: Черен нокът
Ca: Xuclamel negre
Zh: 黑果忍冬
Hr: Crno pasje grožđe
Cs: Zimolez černý
Nl: Zwarte Kamperfoelie
Et: Must kuslapuu
Fi: Mustakuusama
Fr: Camérisier noir, Chèvrefeuille noir, Chèvrefeuille à fruits noirs, Chèvrefeuille noire
De: Schwarze Heckenkirsche, Schwarzes Geißblatt
Hu: Fekete lonc
It: Caprifoglio nero
Pl: Wiciokrzew czarny
Sv: Svarttry
Zh-tw: 黑果忍冬
Zh-hant: 黑果忍冬

Synonyms

• Lonicera nigra f. angustifolia (Gajić)
• Lonicera nigra f. microphylla (Gajić)
• Lonicera campanifolia (G.Don)
• Lonicera carpathica (Kit.)
• Xylosteon nigrum ((L.) Medik.)
• Lonicera carpatica (Porcius)
• Euchylia nigra ((L.) Dulac)
• Chamaecerasus nigra ((L.) Medik.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Dorothee Rugevics (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Dorothee Rugevics (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Bara Wentzky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2020 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by san vicente ludmila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Giovanni Scarmoncin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Dorothee Rugevics (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by san vicente ludmila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Bara Wentzky (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Christophe MARCINIAK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by ivanwoe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by san vicente ludmila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7768870)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:148959-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lonicera nigra L.)

Specifications

Growth