The
Honeysuckle is June's Birth Flower
Everyone knows that they have a specific
birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the
month they were born in. However, many people don't know that
just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well,
which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind
your birth flower.
June: Honeysuckle
Alternate: Rose
The Honeysuckle has the botanic name of
Lonicera and is a shrub or vine that is found in the
Northern Hemisphere. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle,
most of which can be found in China which boasts to have 100
species alone. Europe and North America only have about 20
species each.
The leaves are oval shaped and range from
1-10cm in length. Many have bell shaped flowers that contain a
sweet, edible nectar. They contain a small red, blue or
blackberry which is normally mildly poisonous.
Two of the honeysuckle species are used for
medicinal purposes. The Fly Honeysuckle is a common homeopathic
remedy, used for asthma, breathing difficulties and syphilis.
The European honeysuckle is an uncommon homeopathic remedy, used
for irritability with violent outbursts.
Fun and interesting fact: The species
Lonicera tartarica is native to Eurasia and has wood
cuttings that is used in catnip and sold in cat toys. Many cats
will react to the wood and paw, lick or rub against it.