Lonicera sempervirens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lonicera sempervirens
Conservation status
Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Lonicera
Species:	sempervirens

Lonicera sempervirens (commonly known as coral honeysuckle, trumpet honeysuckle, or scarlet honeysuckle) is a species of honeysuckle vine native to the eastern United States which is known for its reddish flowers.

Description

Lonicera sempervirens is best recognized by trumpet-shaped and coral to reddish flowers. The leaves and stems are waxy, a common trait in the Honeysuckle genus. It is a twining vine growing to 20 ft or more through shrubs and young trees. The leaves are produced in opposite pairs, oval, up to 5 cm long and 4 cm broad; the leaves immediately below the flowers are perfoliate, joined at the base in a complete ring round the shoot. When born, their flowers are whorled on the end. They are present with red berries on them that are less than 1 cm width and length. The berries are inedible and grow from summer to fall. Their leaves are somewhat evergreen. The species is also flammable, which leads to it not being recommended for being planted close to residences. The flowers are produced on new growth in clusters of several groups of three together, tubular, 5 cm long, with five small lobes opening at the tip to expose the stamens and stigma. The bark is green and fuzzy when younger but becomes a light brown as it ages. The older stems get more of a red-orange color. Several cultivars have been selected for variation in flower color, including 'Magnifica' (flowers red outside, yellow inside), 'Sulphurea' (yellow flowers), and 'Superba' (bright scarlet flowers).

Distribution

Lonicera sempervirens is most common in eastern North America, but has occurred as far west as Texas. It is found prominently in the southeastern US. It is listed as endangered in Maine, the only state in which it has any legal status. Although introduced in parts of New England, populations of L. sempervirens have been found that seem to be growing natively in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. It is also considered extremely rare in Rhode Island. Lonicera sempervirens is most common in coastal habitats.

Taxonomy

Lonicera sempervirens was first described by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his treatise Species Plantarum in 1753. Varieties of L. sempervirens are Lonicera sempervirens L. var. hirsutula Rehder, Lonicera sempervirens L. var. minor Aiton, Lonicera sempervirens L. var. sempervirens. Phenianthus sempervirens (L.) Raf is a synonym. Hybrids of the species include Lonicera × tellmanniana and Lonicera × heckrottii.

Uses

Lonicera sempervirens is often used as an alternative to the invasive Lonicera japonica across the east coast of North America. It is popular to grow in gardens or recreational areas as it is considered low maintenance. It is also used to attract hummingbirds and butterflies for pollinator gardens. It is also popular to plant for a flowering effect because of its attractive red color. The species is mainly used ornamentally on fences or lattices. The species can be propagated by either stem cutting or by seed. It has been used to treat asthma and bee stings in Native American traditions.

Habitat

Lonicera sempervirens can grow in many areas due to its cold hardiness. Lonicera sempervirens prefers sunny and moist areas but is also drought resistant. Coral honeysuckle can live in soils such as clay or loam, and only needs about 3 to 6 feet of space to grow. It prefers acidic soil with a pH of 6 and prefers soil with good drainage. It can grow in full sun or in fully shaded areas. It can tolerate living near deer and walnuts as it is not a preferred browse.

Wildlife Uses

Lonicera sempervirens is used by many animals for food, most commonly used for nectar by butterflies and hummingbirds. It attracts bees, hummingbirds, moths, and even songbirds. Birds such as quail, purple finch, and American robin eat the red berries. Ruby-throated hummingbirds and insects pollinate the bright red to pinkish-red flowers from mid-spring to fall. It hosts the caterpillars of spring azures and snowberry clearwing moths. Lonicera sempervirens is used moderately for animal cover and has a relatively low nutritional value.

Gallery

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  Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding

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  Flower buds

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  Leaves and appearance after blooms detach

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  Close-up of blooms

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  Pinkish-red flowers with yellow insides