Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
Haskap (honeyberry) (Lonicera caerulea) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Cool temperate Northern Hemisphere (Siberia, Hokkaido, northern Canada). It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Haskap (honeyberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: ripe berries |
| Native to | Cool temperate Northern Hemisphere (Siberia, Hokkaido, northern Canada) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Haskap (honeyberry) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Haskap berries are edible; berries of most other honeysuckles are mildly toxic, so do not mix them up.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Haskap (honeyberry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Haskap (honeyberry)
- How far apart should I plant Haskap (honeyberry)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft).
- Does Haskap (honeyberry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Haskap (honeyberry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Haskap (honeyberry)?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Haskap (honeyberry) flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Haskap (honeyberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Haskap berries are edible; berries of most other honeysuckles are mildly toxic, so do not mix them up.
- What grows well with Haskap (honeyberry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Haskap (honeyberry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Needs two compatible cultivars for cross-pollination; blooms very early but flowers tolerate frost to about -7 C; berries ripen in late spring, often the first fruit of the year; chill about 800-1000 hours (estimate).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia