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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl.
Southern bush honeysuckle, Southern bush-honeysuckle
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
USDA Symbol: DISE
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A low shrub with sulfur-yellow flowers in clusters of 3-7 atop stems and atop small, nearly square branches. Southern bush-honeysuckle is a low-growing, suckering shrub, 3-5 ft. high and at least as wide. The foliage is dark-green, often with red veins and stems, and seldom colors in the fall. Small, but abundant, yellow flowers are borne on the tip of new growth.
A similar species, Northern Bush Honeysuckle (D. lonicera), which grows in central and northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, has small round branches, stalked leaves, and clusters that are mostly made up of only three flowers. The flowers of both species turn partly dull red with age.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , GA , NC , SC , TN , VANative Distribution: NC & TN, s. to GA & AL
Native Habitat: Dry, exposed, mt. & piedmont sites
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry soils
Conditions Comments: No serious insect or disease problems. Thrives in windy, sunny, dry sites where other plants will not grow. Best when pruned back in late winter or early spring to remove unsightly, old and winter-killed growth. Will sucker and establish colonies. Will withstand shade but is best in full sun.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Both softwood and semi-hardwoods cuttings root readily.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Diervilla sessilifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Diervilla sessilifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Diervilla sessilifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-05-16Research By: TWC Staff
