Lonicera involucrata

Common Names

Black Twinberry, Twinberry, Twinberry Honeysuckle, Bearberry Honeysuckle, Bracted Honeysuckle, Four-Line Honeysuckle, Californian Honeysuckle, Inkberry, Bush Honeysuckle

Summary

Twinberry honeysuckle is a North American native deciduous shrub with an upright to spreading habit, typically 6–12 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, opposite elliptic leaves; tubular yellow flowers occur in pairs, each pair subtended by large green bracts that turn red as fruits develop; paired glossy black berries complete the distinctive display.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, occurring from moist woods to swamps and streamsides; hardy in USDA zones 4–10; propagation from seed or cuttings; landscape uses include ornamental plantings, hedges or screens, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and riparian restoration; nectar attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, while berries are eaten by birds and bears.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-16 feet

Spread

4-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5-8

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Bright green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds are attracted