Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Lonicera sempervirens L.
Coral honeysuckle, Trumpet honeysuckle, Woodbine
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
High-climbing, twining
vine, 3-20 ft. long, with smooth, glossy, paired,
semi-evergreen leaves and 2-4 flowered clusters of red, tubular blooms followed by bright-red berries. Leaves
ovate to
oblong with smooth, rolled down margins and a blunt or short pointed tip those immediately below the flowers fused at the base. This
vine has showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, red outside, yellow inside, in several
whorled clusters at the ends of the stems. Papery, exfoliating
bark is orange-brown in color.
Fruit a red berry.
This beautiful, slender, climbing
vine is frequently visited by hummingbirds. Not too aggressive. Good climber or ground cover. The species name refers to its
evergreen habit, especially in the South. Upper leaves are united. Five additional species also have upper leaves united. They differ from
L. sempervirens in having wide spreading flower lobes.
This species is named for Adam Lonicer (1528 - 1586), a German botanis noted for his 1557 revised version of Eucharius Rösslin’s herbal. He became professor of Mathematics in 1553 and Doctor of Medicine in 1554, becoming the town physician in Frankfurt-am-Main. His true interest though was herbs and the study of botany.
Image Gallery:
36 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Vine Root Type: Tap Leaf Retention: Evergreen Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Notes: Usually 15 to 20 feet
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers 2 inches long.
Fruit: Red to black. 0.25 in.
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Blooms usually red but some cultivars/varieties yellow. Normally blooms mid-spring and intermittently thereafter.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: S. ME to FL & e. TX; scattered inland to IL, Zones 6 to 9
Native Habitat: East Texas woodlands. Well-drained sand, clay.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Various soils, but rich preferred. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type. Both lime and acidic OK.
Conditions Comments: Coral honeysuckle requires light, good air circulation, and adequate drainage to prevent powdery mildew. Some structural assistance may be necessary to help it begin climbing. Flowers best when given more sun. Tolerates poor drainage for short periods.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Good twining
vine with prominent blooms for full sun. Great for arbors.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Fruits attract quail, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin.
Use Medicinal: Dried and smoked for asthma, leaves ground by chewing and applied to bee stings. (Weiner)
Leaves make a decoction for sore throats and coughs.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure, Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Nectar Source: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Lonicera sempervirens is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2012-12-07
