Appearance

Lonicera sempervirens is a climbing, twining evergreen vine, 3-20 ft (0.9-6.1 m) long. Papery, exfoliating bark is orange-brown in color. L. sempervirens is native to the eastern half of the United States.

Foliage

The opposite leaves are ovate to oblong with smooth, rolled down margins. They have a blunt or short pointed tip. The leaves right below the inflorescence encircle the stem.

Flowers

The common name, coral Honeysuckle comes from its bright red tubular flowers which are in whirled clusters at the end of the stems. The interior of the tubular flower is yellow. They bloom through most of the season and are a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds.

Fruit

Fruit are bright orange red berries, about 0.25 in (0.6 cm) in diameter. The berries are a favorite wildlife food.

Ecological Threat

L. sempervirens prefers full sun to shade and moist, well drained soils, but it is fairly drought tolerant. It grows wild in open woodlands, roadsides, fence rows and the edges of clearings, from Connecticut to Nebraska, and south to Texas and Florida.

Selected Images

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References