Duninvdi
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs with twining vines that are abundant in the Northern Hemisphere. North America supports twenty species of honeysuckles, three of which are indigenous. Most are deciduous but some are evergreen and most produce sweetly scented, bell shaped flowers that produce sweet edible nectar.
Cherokees are known to gather honeysuckles after the first frost of the year and during specific phases of the moon to ensure flexibility and strength. Western Cherokee are distinguished for their expertise in gathering, processing and dyeing honeysuckle runners for traditional double wall vine basketry.
Bessie Russell, Cherokee National Treasure, is well known for her talents and knowledge in hunting and gathring the "best" honeysuckle runners and natural dyes which she uses to create beautiful and award winning traditional double wall lidded baskets.
Source: Bessie Russell
Cherokee National Art and Plant Society, 2010
