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 family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes about 180–200 species, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

What it is

Honeysuckles are usually deciduous or evergreen shrubs and climbers with opposite leaves and tubular, often fragrant flowers. Flower colours include white, cream, yellow, pink, orange, and red, followed by berries that are typically red or black. The best-known wild species in Britain and Ireland is *Lonicera periclymenum*, a climbing plant with fragrant flowers and red berries.

Why it matters

Honeysuckles are important for wildlife: their flowers provide nectar for insects, and their berries feed birds and small mammals. Climbing species also offer nesting and shelter in dense vegetation. However, some species are invasive in parts of the world, including parts of Canada, where they can outcompete native plants.

Key details

Many honeysuckle species are grown as ornamentals for their flowers, fragrance, and climbing habit. Some have traditional uses in herbal medicine, though the berries of certain species are poisonous. In Canada, honeysuckles are grown in gardens, and some species occur in the wild or as introduced plants, often discussed in the context of invasive species management.