Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera (/ lɒˈnɪsərə / [2]) of the family Caprifoliaceae. Lonicera caerulea (Honeyberry or Blue-berried Honeysuckle): Native to the Northern Hemisphere, this honeysuckle is grown more for its blue, edible berries than for its small, fragrant flowers. Most Lonicera are twining or climbing plants but the genus does contain a large number of shrubs.

Understanding the Context

Although the flowers of the shrubby honeysuckles are often highly scented, they are paltry compared to the flamboyant flowers of the climbing species. Not all honeysuckle berries are safe to consume, but Lonicera caerulea has edible berries that research studies show to have powerful and impressive health properties. For starters, they are very high in disease-fighting antioxidants. Lonicera sempervirens, commonly called trumpet honeysuckle, is a vigorous, deciduous, twining vine which typically grows 10-15' (less frequently to 20') and is one of the showiest of the vining honeysuckles.

Key Insights

Lonicera’s beauty is genuinely captivating. Its name, “honeysuckle,” reflects the sweet nectar within its blossoms, which often release a delightful fragrance. This plant family encompasses a variety of species and hybrids, each with its own unique charm. All you need to know about Lonicera also known as the Honeysuckles. How to care, characteristics, light, water, soil & fertilizer tips.

Final Thoughts

Honeysuckles include about 180 species of deciduous or evergreen, bushy, scandent, twining, or creeping shrubs, found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, south to Mexico and North Africa, Java, and the Philippines (Huxley 1992). Many species are cultivated for their attractive, often-fragrant flowers and for their ornamental fruits.