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Description
Lonicera Subspicata Var. Denudata, commonly known as the Naked Twinberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to western North America, from Alaska to California and eastward to Montana and Wyoming. The Naked Twinberry typically grows up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, forming a dense thicket of upright stems with arching branches. It is known for its showy, paired, bright red berries that ripen in late summer, attracting birds and other wildlife. The Naked Twinberry is a popular plant for landscaping and is often used in hedgerows, borders, and woodland gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Species: | Subspicata |
| Variety: | Denudata |
Appearance
The Naked Twinberry has an upright, multi-stemmed growth habit with arching branches that form a dense thicket. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate to elliptic in shape, with a glossy dark green color and a smooth texture. The leaves are 1-3 inches long and 0.5-1.5 inches wide. The Naked Twinberry blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, tubular, yellowish-white flowers that are about 0.5 inches long. The flowers are arranged in pairs at the end of the branches, and they are highly fragrant, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The Naked Twinberry’s bright red berries ripen in late summer and persist through the fall, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
The Naked Twinberry is a relatively easy plant to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Naked Twinberry:
- Water: The Naked Twinberry prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate periods of drought. Water your plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
- Fertilization: The Naked Twinberry does not require much fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: The Naked Twinberry prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
- Sunlight: The Naked Twinberry prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can also tolerate full shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
- Hardiness Zones: The Naked Twinberry is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, meaning it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Naked Twinberry is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and deformed leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and removing infected leaves.
Habitat
The Naked Twinberry is native to western North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including moist forests, streambanks, and meadows. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate full sun and dry conditions. The Naked Twinberry is an important food source for birds and other wildlife, which eat its berries and use its dense thicket for cover.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Naked Twinberry be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Naked Twinberry can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization than if grown in the ground.
Q: How often should I prune my Naked Twinberry?
A: The Naked Twinberry can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. It can also be pruned to control its size and shape, but be careful not to remove too much of the plant’s foliage, as this can reduce its ability to produce berries.
Q: How long does it take for the Naked Twinberry to produce berries?
A: The Naked Twinberry typically produces berries in its second or third year of growth, but this can vary depending on growing conditions.
Q: Is the Naked Twinberry toxic to humans or pets?
A: The Naked Twinberry’s berries are not toxic to humans or pets, but they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
Related Plants
- Lonicera involucrata (Bearberry Honeysuckle)
- Lonicera caerulea (Honeyberry)
- Lonicera ciliosa (Orange Honeysuckle)
- Lonicera hispidula (Pink Honeysuckle)
References
- Arno, S. F., & Gyer, J. J. (1973). Discovering Sierra trees. Yosemite Natural History Association.
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Pub Llc.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Lonicera subspicata var. denudata. Retrieved June 28, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOSUDD
