Wild Honeysuckle is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, scrubland and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 400cm.
Honeysuckle is named after the sweetness of its nectar and scent. Honeysuckle is a woody climbing plant that entwines itself around neighbouring plants and trees, giving rise to the alternative name of 'Woodbine'. It bears clusters of cream-white flowers, emerging from red-tinged buds, that turn yellow as the flowers mature, following pollination.
Botanic classification and naming: Wild Honeysuckle is a member of the Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) family. The genus name
'Lonicera' identifies the plant as a Honeysuckle and its species name 'periclymenum' means 'changing plant'.
Concerns: Wild Honeysuckle bears clusters of poisonous berries which are initially green and then ripen to a bright red.
Benefits: Honeysuckle produces nectar and scent, mainly in the evening, to attract pollinating insects such as the Elephant Hawk Moth. These in turn provide food for bats. Honeysuckle provides food for moth caterpillars, such as the Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth, and is the sole food plant for those of the White Admiral butterfly. The plant also provides nesting sites for birds, who also feed on its berries and insect visitors.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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