How to identify European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

How to identify European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

European honeysuckle, also known as Woodbine, Common honeysuckle

European honeysuckle is a deciduous climber with twining stems that can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters). Its oval, pointed leaves grow opposite each other along the stem. During its flowering period, european honeysuckle boasts highly fragrant, tubular flowers that are cream or pinkish in color, often with a yellow or reddish hue inside, blooming from late spring to midsummer. These blossoms give way to red berries in the fall. This vine's woody stems become hollow with age.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Vine

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify European honeysuckle

Twining stems up to 20 feet (6 meters) long.

Highly fragrant cream or pinkish tubular flowers.

Distinct deep red berries around 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter.

Dark green oval leaves with prominent central vein.

Glabrous, slender stems with brown to red coloration.

Detailed Traits of European honeysuckle

Leaf Features

The leaves of european honeysuckle are characterized by their dark green coloration, with an evident pale-green to yellowish-green vein running centrally. These leaves are typically oval in shape and can grow to about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long. The texture of the leaf surface is smooth, often with a slightly waxy coating that contributes to its sheen. The vein pattern is pronounced, with the central vein being the most prominent, aiding in the identification of european honeysuckle.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Obovate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of european honeysuckle are notably fragrant, opening ivory with a purple tinge. They are arranged in whorls on spikes, typically found clustered at the ends of branches. Each flower is tubular, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and contains two-lipped, flaring petals. Blooming predominantly in spring, these flowers may also appear sporadically through the summer months. Their rich scent and vibrant colors make them highly recognizable and appealing to both humans and pollinators.

Inflorescence Type

Spike

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Stem Features

The thin stems of european honeysuckle are twining and exhibit a glabrous texture, meaning they are smooth and lack hairs. Their color can range from brown to purple or red, creating a distinctive visual cue. The stems are slender and flexible, typically measuring less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They show a characteristic of intertwining or spiraling around other structures for support. These features make the stems a key identifier for european honeysuckle.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of european honeysuckle is characterized by its striking deep red hue and spherical shape, each berry measuring approximately 0.25 inches (about 6 mm) in diameter. These berries come to maturation around September, transitioning to their ripe coloration as the season progresses. The outer surface of the fruit possesses a typical glossy texture, indicative of many berry-type fruits. Clusters of these small yet vibrant fruits contribute to the identification and ornamental value of european honeysuckle. While visually appealing, it is important to note that these berries are often considered inedible for humans.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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European honeysuckle and Their Similar Plants

Amur honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Amur honeysuckle is a massively-branched, perennial shrub with dark green leaves, aromatic white flowers, and luscious burgundy berries that are inedible to humans but relished by birds propagating the seeds. This East Asian native shrub has been utilized in landscape decoration, wildlife cover, and erosion control. However, it is no longer recommended for planting due to invasiveness issues.

Japanese honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Japanese honeysuckle (*Lonicera japonica*) is a twining vine native to East Asia. It features white-yellow flowers that emit a pleasant, sweet aroma and are often visited by pollinators such as honeybees, but some parts of the plant are toxic to humans. In landscaping, japanese honeysuckle is used as a groundcover because its dense, fast-growing nature helps prevent weeds and improve soil health.

Tatarian honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Native to Siberia and East Asia, the tatarian honeysuckle was introduced to North America in 1752 as an ornamental plant. However, it is now out of control and widely considered as an invasive plant in North America. Though centimeter-sized fruits look delicious, they are NOT edible to humans, actually.

Trumpet honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is an eastern United States vine. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Trumpet honeysuckle is grown for ornamental purposes, often as an alternative to the invasive species Japanese honeysuckle.

Boxleaf Honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Boxleaf Honeysuckle is cultivated and popular as a fast-growing evergreen or semi-evergreen hedge that takes well to clipping. The common name 'Boxleaf Honeysuckle' refers to the fact that the small oval leaves resemble Boxwood shrubs, and its use as a hedge or a screen makes the similarities even more meaningful.

Winter honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Lonicera fragrantissima, or winter honeysuckle, is a large deciduous bush with a delightful, strong fragrance. The nectar in the creamy white flowers attracts many bees, but the fruit of the winter honeysuckle is toxic.

Henry's honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Henry's honeysuckle (Lonicera acuminata) is a tropical vine that is frequently visited by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Its climbing nature makes it a great wall plant for attracting wildlife into ornamental gardens. In the Philippines, the plant's sturdy stems are used as bindings in the construction of fences.

Limber honeysuckle vs. European honeysuckle: What's The Difference?

Limber honeysuckle (*Lonicera dioica*) is a perennial vine species related to honeysuckle. It is native to Canada and the eastern and central United States. Also known as wild honeysuckle, it blooms from spring to summer and prefers partial to full shade.

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Key Facts About European honeysuckle

Attributes of European honeysuckle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

7 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of European honeysuckle

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of European honeysuckle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Family

Honeysuckle

Genus

Honeysuckles

Species

European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

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Distribution Map of European honeysuckle

European honeysuckle is native to Eurasia and North Africa. scrublands, and shaded areas. It has been introduced in the Pacific US and Canada and Saudi Arabia. It is a popular gardening plant in its native countries and in North America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the European honeysuckle

A Comprehensive Guide to European honeysuckle How to Grow and Care for European honeysuckle