Himalayan honeysuckle
Invasive Species Information

What Is Himalayan honeysuckle - (Leycesteria formosa)?
Habitat: Terrestrial. Typically found in hedgerows and on waste ground, occasionally found in woodland
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread with concentrations in the East and South East of Ireland
Status: Established
Family name: Caprifoliaceae
Common name/s: Pheasant-berry

Himalayan Honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub and was originally introduced, in the Victorian era, from China and Tibet as an ornamental plant and often used as cover for pheasants.

The plant blooms from July to September. It produces berries in the autumn which are red at first, becoming black and subsequently eaten by birds.

Himalayan honeysuckle can often be observed along roadside routes throughout Ireland, with concentrations in the east and south east. it can also be found in areas of scrub, abandoned sites and shaded forest areas.

From mid- to late summer, 4 inch-long tassels of white flowers almost hidden by showy, wine-coloured bracts covering the plant, growing from the tips of the branches. These are followed by scented, deep red/purple berries in autumn.

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Himalayan honeysuckle is a popular garden species, but in many areas, it has been caused to spread into the wild. Where Himalayan Honeysuckle has spread into the wild it is recommended that it is removed as it can quickly overwhelm native species.

Himalayan honeysuckle - Leycesteria formosa ID Guide