If you’ve ever wandered through a garden on a summer evening and caught a whiff of something impossibly sweet, you might have stumbled across honeysuckle (Metaflora answer #667). But did you know that this fragrant flower is beloved not just for its scent, but for its secret stash of nectar hidden at the base of its floral tubes?

Honeysuckle is famous for its “drinkable” blooms: children (and curious adults) have long plucked honeysuckle flowers, pinched off the ends, and sipped the tiny drop of nectar inside. This isn’t just a fun backyard activity—honeysuckle’s nectar is actually a sophisticated lure. The plant’s tubular flowers evolved specifically to attract certain pollinators. In North America, the ruby-throated hummingbird is a primary pollinator, drawn by the bright colours and sweet liquid. In the Old World, moths and long-tongued bees are the main visitors.

But here’s a twist: not all honeysuckle nectar is created equal. While some species offer up a sugary treat, others, especially the invasive Japanese honeysuckle, have become so widespread in the U.S. that they outcompete native plants—sometimes to the detriment of local ecosystems. Additionally, while the flowers and nectar are safe to enjoy, the berries produced by certain honeysuckle species can be toxic and should not be eaten.

Nevertheless, honeysuckle’s role in folklore and gardens is enduring: in Victorian England, bringing honeysuckle indoors was considered a guarantee of sweet dreams, while in China, honeysuckle tea (jin yin hua) has been used for centuries as a remedy for everything from colds to summer heat.

So next time you catch that honeyed scent, remember: you’re breathing in a story of evolution, tradition, and a little bit of backyard magic.

Monday, July 28 to Sunday, August 3.

The following are the shortest paths from last week:

Play Forgeous for Aug 3