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Cressler, Alan
Diervilla sessilifolia
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckley
Southern Bush Honeysuckle, Southern Bush-honeysuckle
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: DISE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
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
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 Treatment: No special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional 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: 2023-05-30Research By: TWC Staff