Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Poisonous: Fact or Fiction?

Oleh Anonymous July 30, 2023 Post a Comment

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Honeysuckle plants are known for their sweet-scented blooms and attractive foliage. One popular variety of honeysuckle is the Major Wheeler Honeysuckle. While this plant is highly sought-after by gardeners for its beauty and fragrance, there have been concerns about its potential toxicity. In this article, we will explore whether Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is poisonous and what precautions you should take if you plan to grow this plant.

What is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle?

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler') is a deciduous vine that is native to the eastern United States. It is a variety of the native honeysuckle species that produces clusters of tubular-shaped flowers that are red in color. The blooms are followed by bright red berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

Appearance

The leaves of Major Wheeler Honeysuckle are oval-shaped and dark green in color. They measure between 2-4 inches in length and have a slightly glossy appearance. The vines of this plant can grow up to 10 feet long and are adorned with clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms that measure around 2 inches in length.

Uses

Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Its vibrant blooms and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, and walls. Additionally, the plant's nectar is a source of food for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Poisonous?

Now, the question that you might be wondering - is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle poisonous? The answer is no, Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is not considered to be toxic to humans or pets. However, it is still important to exercise caution when handling this plant as it can cause skin irritation in some people.

Skin Irritation

The leaves and stems of Major Wheeler Honeysuckle contain a sap that can cause skin irritation in some individuals. If you come into contact with the sap, you may experience redness, itching, and blistering on your skin. To avoid skin irritation, it is recommended that you wear gloves when handling this plant and wash your hands thoroughly after touching it.

Other Concerns

While Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is not toxic, it is still important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with growing this plant. For example, if ingested, the berries of Major Wheeler Honeysuckle can cause stomach upset in humans and animals. Additionally, the plant can become invasive in certain areas, so it is important to monitor its growth and take steps to control its spread if necessary.

Growing Major Wheeler Honeysuckle

If you are interested in growing Major Wheeler Honeysuckle in your garden, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also important to provide support for the vines to climb, such as a trellis or fence.

Pruning

To keep your Major Wheeler Honeysuckle healthy and looking its best, it is important to prune it regularly. Pruning should be in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can remove any dead or damaged wood and cut back the remaining stems to encourage new growth.

Propagation

You can propagate Major Wheeler Honeysuckle through stem cuttings or layering. To propagate through stem cuttings, take a cutting of a stem that is around 6 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in soil and keep it moist until roots form.

In Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is not poisonous but can cause skin irritation in some individuals. If you plan to grow this plant, make sure to wear gloves when handling it and wash your hands thoroughly after touching it. Additionally, be mindful of the potential risks associated with growing this plant, such as stomach upset from ingesting the berries and invasive growth. With proper care and attention, Major Wheeler Honeysuckle can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your garden.

FAQs

Q1: Can Major Wheeler Honeysuckle be grown in containers?

A1: Yes, Major Wheeler Honeysuckle can be grown in containers. However, you will need to provide support for the vines to climb, such as a trellis or stake. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.

Q2: How often should I fertilize my Major Wheeler Honeysuckle?

A2: Major Wheeler Honeysuckle does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula.

Q3: Does Major Wheeler Honeysuckle attract bees?

A3: Yes, Major Wheeler Honeysuckle is a great plant for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden. The nectar in its blooms provides a valuable food source for these beneficial insects.

Q4: How do I control the spread of Major Wheeler Honeysuckle?

A4: To prevent Major Wheeler Honeysuckle from becoming invasive, you can prune it regularly and remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant. Additionally, you can cut back the vines after flowering to limit seed production.