lonicera

Lonicera is a genus of about 180 species of woody plants in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. The group includes vines and deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Members are characterized by opposite leaves and paired, tubular flowers that are often strongly fragrant; fruits are berries that ripen in a range of colors.

Flowers typically appear in pairs in the leaf axils or at shoot tips. The corollas are often bilabiate, with a long nectar tubes that attract pollinators such as bees, moths, and hummingbirds, depending on the species. Flowering seasons range from spring to summer.

Lonicera is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with species in Europe, Asia, and North America. Habitats include woodlands, thickets, hedgerows, and rocky slopes. Growth forms range from twining climbers to upright shrubs.

Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), which can form dense thickets and displace native vegetation. In cultivation, honeysuckles are valued as ornamentals for their fragrance, long bloom period, and versatility in trellises, fences, or arbors. The fruits are typically not eaten by humans.

Cultivation and management typically involve sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular pruning to control vigor and remove diseased wood. Propagation is commonly by cuttings or layering. Taxonomically, Lonicera is placed in Caprifoliaceae, though classifications have varied as genera have been reorganized.