Coral Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens

Names

• Family

  Caprifoliaceae.

• Synonyms

  Coral Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle, Woodbine.

• Common names

  Caprifolium sempervirens, Nintooa sempervirens.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Coral honeysuckle is not commonly regarded as a toxic plant to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not generally recognized as food, as individual sensitivities can vary. If someone were to consume parts of this plant, there is a potential for mild upset such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Always consult with a medical professional if ingestion occurs and there is concern about possible poisoning or adverse reactions.

• To pets

  Coral honeysuckle is not typically known to be toxic to pets. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants. If your pet does consume coral honeysuckle and shows signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  3-20 feet (0.91-6.10 meters)

• Spread

  3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  4-9

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts Wildlife: Lonicera sempervirens, also known as trumpet honeysuckle, is a favorite among hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, providing nectar and habitat.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, trumpet honeysuckle can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care beyond initial establishment, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-effort landscaping options.
• Erosion Control: The vining habit and extensive root system help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
• Ornamental Value: Trumpet honeysuckle boasts attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers and can add a splash of color to fences, trellises, and arbors in landscapes.
• Natural Privacy Screen: When grown on structures, this vine can create a natural privacy screen, blocking unwanted views and providing shade.
• Long Blooming Period: The plant offers a long season of blooms, often from spring to summer, providing long-term visual interest in the garden.
• Native Habitat Support: Being native to the eastern United States, it supports local ecosystems and is well-adapted to the regional climate and soil conditions.
• Deer Resistance: Trumpet honeysuckle is generally resistant to deer, which can make it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
• Winter Interest: Even when not in bloom, the semi-evergreen foliage and red berries of trumpet honeysuckle can provide visual interest during the winter months.

Medical Properties

• Antibacterial: Lonicera sempervirens, commonly known as coral honeysuckle, has been studied for its potential antibacterial activity.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have components that help reduce inflammation, although this use is not well established.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lonicera sempervirens, also known as coral honeysuckle, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades from pale yellow to deep orange depending on the mordant used.
• The woody vines of coral honeysuckle can be creatively woven into small baskets or decorative items by skilled artisans.
• As a climbing plant, coral honeysuckle can be trained over arbors or pergolas to create natural, living architectural details.
• The long, tubular flowers of the coral honeysuckle can be used as impromptu water troughs for hummingbirds when positioned horizontally.
• When dried, the sweetly scented flowers can be incorporated into homemade potpourris.
• The flexible stems of young coral honeysuckle plants can be shaped into live plant sculptures or topiaries with patience and careful pruning.
• Coral honeysuckle can be used in educational settings as a tool to teach about the value of native plants in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.
• The plant's aggressive growth can be harnessed for erosion control in steep or challenging landscaping areas.
• During winter, coral honeysuckle's red berries provide a source of natural, festive decoration in the garden when few other plants bear fruit.
• Its dense foliage offers privacy screening when grown along fences or trellises.

Feng Shui

The Trumpet Honeysuckle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Trumpet Honeysuckle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Devoted affection: The Lonicera sempervirens, commonly known as Coral Honeysuckle, often represents devoted affection, owing to its entwining growing habit that suggests clinging and steadfast support, similar to the nature of human emotions.
• Fraternal love: Giving someone Coral Honeysuckle could symbolize a brotherly or sisterly love, indicating a non-romantic yet deep, familial bond.
• Generosity: With its abundant blossoms that provide nectar for hummingbirds and insects, Coral Honeysuckle suggests the idea of generosity and giving without expecting a return.
• Happiness: The bright blooms and sweet fragrance of Coral Honeysuckle can be symbols of happiness and joy, typically bringing a positive vibe to gardens and spaces.
• Long-lasting bonds: As a perennial plant, the Coral Honeysuckle can live for many years, often symbolizing long-lasting relationships and enduring connections.