Swamp fly honeysuckle (Lonicera oblongifolia) is blooming now in Central New York. This is a native species typically found in peatlands such as fens or conifer swamps. It can be distinguished from other honeysuckles by the following combination of traits: 1) style hirsute; 2) upper 4 petals fused; 3) peduncles over 5 mm; 4) leaves obtuse; 5) ovary glabrous; 6) pith of branchlets solid and white.
Lonicera oblongifolia flowers
Recognition of habitat, entire leaf margin, and the downy pubescence on the undersides of leaves can help when searching for this plant. The leaves are typically more symmetrical than those of Lonicera canadensis.
Upper surface of leaves
Lower surface of leaves
Fruits ripen in July and can range from orange to red or red-purple