'Honeysuckles' (
genus ''Lonicera'';
syn. ''Caprifolium''
Mill.) are arching
shrubs or twining
vines in the family
Caprifoliaceae, native to the
Northern Hemisphere. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle, with by far the greatest diversity in
China, where over 100 species occur; by comparison,
Europe and
North America have only about 20 native species each. Widely known species include ''
Lonicera periclymenum'' (European Honeysuckle or Woodbine), ''
Lonicera japonica'' (Japanese Honeysuckle, White Honeysuckle, or Chinese Honeysuckle) and ''
Lonicera sempervirens'' (Coral Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle, or Woodbine Honeysuckle). Hummingbirds are attracted to these plants.
The
leaves are opposite, simple oval, and from 1–10 cm long; most are
deciduous but some are
evergreen. Many of the species have sweetly-scented, bell-shaped
flowers that produce a sweet, edible
nectar. The
fruit is a red, blue or black
berry containing several seeds; in most species the berries are mildly
poisonous, but a few (notably ''
Lonicera caerulea'') have edible berries. The plant is eaten by the
larvae of some
Lepidoptera species - see
list of Lepidoptera which feed on Honeysuckles.
Cultivation and uses
''Lonicera xylosteum'' (
Fly Honeysuckle) is a common
homeopathic remedy, used for
asthma, breathing difficulties and
syphilis. ''Lonicera periclymenum'' (
European honeysuckle) is an uncommon homeopathic remedy, used for irritability with violent outbursts.
Wood cuttings from the species ''Lonicera tartarica'', native to
Eurasia, are sold as
cat toys. The wood contains
nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient found in
catnip. Many breeds of cats react to the scent of the wood and will paw, lick or rub against it.
Honeysuckles grow best in partial sun to partial shade.
''
Lonicera japonica'' and ''
Lonicera maackii'' (Amur Honeysuckle or Bush Honeysuckle) are considered
invasive weeds in the
United States and in
New Zealand. Honeysuckle can be controlled by cutting, flaming, or burning the plant to root level and repeating on two-week increments until nutrient reserves in the roots are depleted. Honeysuckle can also be controlled through annual applications of
glyphosate, or through grubbing if high labor and soil destruction are not of concern.
Honeysuckles are also eaten by some people, who remove the blossom by hand to suck at the sweet nectar in the center. They pull the inside out and suck on the blossom.
Another name for honeysuckle is 'woodbine'; and 'eglantine' is used in Milton's ''
L'Allegro''.
Selected species
Trivia
★ During Victorian times, teenage girls were forbidden to bring honeysuckle home because it was thought to induce erotic dreams.
★ Honeysuckle Vines are mentioned in Jimmy Buffet's song "Tin Cup Chalice"
★ Honeysuckle is mentioned in Sammy Kershaw's song "Don't Go Near The Water"
★ Honeysuckle is mentioned as Mrs Dietrich's (Barbara Stanwyck's) perfume in "Double Indemnity"
★ The British actress Honeysuckle Weeks was named after the honeysuckle flowers which were in bloom at the time of her birth
References
★
Flora Europaea: ''Lonicera''
★
Flora of China: ''Lonicera'' species list
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