Science & Nature • Plants

Honeyberry

Honeyberry is a common name for edible forms of the shrub species *Lonicera caerulea*, also called blue honeysuckle or edible honeysuckle.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Honeyberry is a common name for edible forms of the shrub species *Lonicera caerulea*, also called blue honeysuckle or edible honeysuckle. It produces elongated blue fruit that are often compared with blueberries in flavour and appearance, and are used fresh or in preserves. The plant is valued for cold hardiness and early fruiting.

Taxonomy and naming

Honeyberry is a common name used for edible forms of *Lonicera caerulea*, a species in the honeysuckle family. Sources also use the names blue honeysuckle, edible honeysuckle, and haskap.

Description

Honeyberry plants are shrubs that produce small, elongated, blue fruits. The fruit is often described as similar in appearance and taste to blueberries, though shape and flavour can vary by cultivar.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to cold and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is associated with boreal and other cool-climate environments.

Uses

Honeyberries are eaten fresh and are commonly processed into jams, jellies, juices, syrups, smoothies, and other foods. They are also grown as an ornamental and fruiting landscape shrub.

Key facts

Honeyberry refers to edible forms of *Lonicera caerulea*.
The plant is a shrub that bears elongated blue fruits.
It is also known by names such as blue honeysuckle and haskap.
Honeyberries are native to cold regions across the Northern Hemisphere.
The plant is known for its cold hardiness and early-season fruiting.

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Canadian context

Honeyberry is relevant to Canadian gardeners because it is a cold-hardy fruit shrub suited to northern climates, and haskap breeding and cultivation have become well known in Canada, especially in prairie and other cool regions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a honeyberry?

Honeyberry is a common name for edible forms of *Lonicera caerulea*, a honeysuckle shrub that produces blue edible fruit.

Is honeyberry the same as haskap?

Yes, haskap is one of the common names used for honeyberry, especially in some regions and cultivars.

What does honeyberry fruit look like?

The fruit is typically elongated and blue to dark blue, rather than round like many blueberries.

Where do honeyberries grow naturally?

They are native to cold regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

How is honeyberry used?

It is eaten fresh and used in jams, jellies, juices, syrups, smoothies, and other preserves.

References

Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/honeyberry/grow-your-own
Supports: Honeyberry as fruit of *Lonicera caerulea*; common names; uses; native range; fruit description.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/honeyberries/
Supports: Scientific name; common names; native range; fruit and shrub description.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-are-honeyberries
Supports: Native range; plant size; flowers; fruit ripening; uses; hardiness and cultivation notes.