Lonicera sempervirens (honeysuckle)

Coral honeysuckle or trumpet honeysuckle is a beautiful, slender vine known for its tubular reddish flowers. Not too aggressive. Easy to grow; good climber or ground cover. Will need fencing or trellising support in order to climb. The species name refers to its evergreen habit. 3-20' long. Tubular red flowers in May followed by red berry. Full sun to shade in moist soil. Better flowering with more sun. This native is a good alternative to the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) that is found in much of eastern U.S. Note: Species is flammable, so it is not recommended for planting close to residences. Attracts birds, butterflies and pollinators. Not a preferred browse for deer.

Coral honeysuckle is common in eastern North America, most commonly in coastal habitats. It is used by many animals for food, most commonly used for nectar by butterflies and hummingbirds. It attracts bees, hummingbirds, moths, and even songbirds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds and insects pollinate the flowers from mid-Spring to Fall. Host plant for catterpillars of spring aqures and snowberry clearwing moths. Birds such as purple finch and the American robin eat the red berries. 

Photo by Kellen McCluskey

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)

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