Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is the common name for plants in the genus *Lonicera*, a group of shrubs and twining climbers in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae.

Honeysuckle is the common name for plants in the genus *Lonicera*, a group of shrubs and twining climbers in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. The best-known wild honeysuckle in Britain and Ireland is *Lonicera periclymenum*, a native climbing plant with fragrant tubular flowers and red berries. The genus includes many species grown as ornamentals, and some species are considered invasive in parts of the world.

Description

Honeysuckles are usually deciduous or evergreen shrubs and climbers with opposite leaves and tubular flowers. Flower colours commonly include white, cream, yellow, pink, orange, and red, followed by berries that are often red or black.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with many species in Asia, especially China. In the wild, honeysuckles grow in habitats such as woodland edges, hedgerows, scrub, and forest margins.

Ecology

Honeysuckles are important wildlife plants because their flowers provide nectar for insects, and their berries can feed birds and small mammals. Climbing species also provide nesting and shelter opportunities in dense vegetation.

Cultivation and uses

Many honeysuckle species are grown as ornamentals for their flowers, fragrance, and climbing habit. Some species and traditional uses are associated with herbal medicine, although the berries of certain species are poisonous.

Notable species

*Lonicera periclymenum*, often called common honeysuckle, wild honeysuckle, or woodbine, is native to parts of Europe and is a familiar wild climbing species in Britain and Ireland. Other widely grown species include ornamental Asian and North American honeysuckles.