description
Lonicera japonica is a twining vine of the Caprifoliaceae family, able to climb up to 10 meters (33 ft) high or more in trees, with opposite, simple oval leaves 3–8 centimeters (1.2–3.1 in) long and 2–3 centimeters (0.79–1.2 in) broad. The flowers are double-tongued, opening white and fading to yellow, and sweetly vanilla scented. The fruit is a globose, dark blue berry 5–8 millimeters (0.20–0.31 in) diameter containing numerous seeds.

Due to its rapid spread via these numerous tiny fruit seeds, honeysuckle is considered an invasive species not only in many US states but also in a number of countries worldwide.

common names & nomenclature
The common name Honeysuckle is from the Old English hunigsuge in reference to the nectar in the flowers. The specific name, japonica, is from the Latin for “Japanese” referring to the origin of the plant.

Also known as:
jin yin hua, japanese honeysuckle, suikazura

Lonicera japonica is a species of honeysuckle native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Korea.

climate
Grows in part sun/part shade thickets in hills and mountains all over Japan as well as woods in the mountains and lowlands of Korea.

soil
Prefers a good moist fertile, well-drained soil.

growing
Seed is 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, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent locations in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Can also be propagated via layering or cuttings.

harvesting
The flowers are harvested in early morning before they open and are dried for later use.

preserving
Store dried honeysuckle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.