| Lonicera sempervirens | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Lonicera |
| Species: | L. sempervirens |
| Binomial name | |
| Lonicera sempervirens L. |
|
Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle) is a species of honeysuckle native to the eastern United States.[1]
It is an evergreen twining shrubby vine growing to several meters high 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. The flowers are produced 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; they are bright red to pinkish-red, and pollinated by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and insects.[2][3]
It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, for its attractive flowers, and also as one of the best plants to attract hummingbirds.[3] 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).[4]