My kids love to pick honeysuckle flowers and taste the tiny nectar droplet that is produced when pulling the central stem of the flower through the base. My question: What variety of honeysuckle that does well in the pacific Northwest will produce the most nectar for this activity? I have two places to plant: one is partially shaded by tall fir trees and the other is on the sunny southern exposure of my house.
Interesting question. When I was a kid we used to suck the nectar from the blossoms of Campsis. I did not suffer from this, but Campsis is not recommended as being edible in any way and can cause dermatitis. We also sucked the nectar from grass stems. (I still do that.) Some Lonicera species are toxic. Probably the safest choice would be to plant the tried and true Hall's honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica 'Halliana'. some interesting discussion on Eat the Weeds and this on edible flowers
I use to do this as a child as well. Wouldn't want to do it on one of those neonics systemically treated ones, though! Darn chemicals! :P
