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HONEYSUCKLE
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Honeysuckle is a large genus, Lonicera, of more than 150 species of evergreen or deciduous shrubs or vines in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that are widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. Species of honeysuckle are valued for their tubular and often fragrant flowers. Shrub forms are used frequently in landscape plantings, but honeysuckle can become a problem because of its rampant growth.
Asiatic bush honeysuckles include winter honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, a deciduous shrub that is partially evergreen in mild-winter climates. Leaves are dark green above and blue green beneath, 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 in) long. The creamy white flowers are not showy but have rich fragrance. Tartarian honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica, forms dense masses of twiggy branches and produces small pink or white flowers in late spring. Climbing species of honeysuckle include Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, an evergreen vine that may be deciduous in colder regions. Leaves are deep green and flowers are white with a purplish tinge. Trumpet honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens, is a tall climber with orange yellow to scarlet flowers.
Species belonging to genera other than Lonicera are sometimes referred to as honeysuckles: swamp honeysuckle is Rhododendron viscosum, and Himalaya honeysuckle is Leycesteria formosa.
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