# Types Of Lonicera
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Native North American Lonicera
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Coral honeysuckle, or Lonicera sempervirens, is a North American native, which is also the host to an important species of insect. It is a perennial vine that may grow up to 20 feet long in habit with opposite, simple leaves and slender, 2-inch long red blooms. The plant is a favorite of hummingbirds and host plant for Snowberry Clearwing moths and Spring Azure butterflies. Many birds also feast on the fall fruit, and the plant is fast-growing but not considered aggressive. Coral honeysuckle is also called trumpet honeysuckle. There are many cultivars of this plant, such as American Fly honeysuckle.
Chinese Ornamental Species
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The Lonicera fragrantissima are from China, and two main species have been introduced to the U.S. and have become invasive. The subspecies phyllocarpa and standishii are both cultivated for the attractive and colorful blooms but especially for the exceptional fragrance. Both plants grow as shrubs with thick, leathery leaves and produce large red fruits in April and May. They are considered moderately invasive but not as intrusive as the Japanese species. There are many other species of Chinese Lonicera, such as Amur honeysuckle and Tartarian honeysuckle.
Japanese Lonicera
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It is not recommended to plant Japanese Lonicera in most locations because it will naturalize and spread, threatening native plants. It is a semi-evergreen plant that grows as a vine and has a leaf with a deep green upper surface and lighter green underside. The flowers are small and flanked by bracts surrounding white corollas. The fruits are dark blue and shiny and found in October to November. When birds eat the fruits, they distribute the seeds and new plants sprout in wild areas.
Freedom Honeysuckle
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Lonicera bushes and vines are some of the most hardy plants for the gardener. The Freedom honeysuckle is no exception and has a shrubby, vertical pattern of growth which is semi-evergreen depending on where it is grown. The plant can get up to 10 feet high and has small blue-green leaves with white and pink spring flowers. These yield bright red berries that are attractive to birds.
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