Honeysuckle

Leycesteria formosa

This unusual upright shrub, while not a true Lonicera honeysuckle vine with fragrant flowers, is commonly called Himalayan Honeysuckle, as well as pheasant berry or chocolate berry. It has multiple upright, brittle stems from a spreading crown, and can reach 6'-7' tall with drooping tops containing soft, sweet, delicate berries that taste faintly of chocolate-covered raisins. The plant is highly regarded for its medicinal qualities by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While originally found in the wilds of the Western Himalayans and Eastern China, now you can add it to your own edible landscape or hedgerow! Hardy to USDA zone 7.