BUSH HONEYSUCKLE

any of three species of low shrubs in the genus Diervilla, belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae, all native to eastern North America. They are frequently confused with Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tartarica), which is often called honeysuckle bush (see honeysuckle). Bush honeysuckles have oval leaves and clusters of tubular flowers at the branch tips. They spread by underground roots and form patches in rocky, dry areas. Flowering occurs in early summer. The yellow or reddish-yellow blooms are followed by slender, beaked fruits. The northern bush honeysuckles (D. lonicera and D. rivularis) are similar except for the smaller size and more pointed leaves of D. lonicera. The southern bush honeysuckle (D. sessilifolia) has stalkless leaves and angled branches.