Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
is a beloved, red-flowering, native vine in Kentucky and its eco-region north, south, east, and midwest.
Coral Honeysuckle is not overly aggressive, nor is it invasive as is the non-native Japanese honeysuckle. In other words, this species gets along well and it cooperates with its neighboring plants. It is also a great friend to our migrating hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. It is the host plant for spring azures and snowberry clearwing moths. In our small native plants sanctuary in southern Jefferson County, Kentucky, we grow many native vines on trellises, arbors, etc. Their woody brambles make great nesting places for resident birds. Here is a video I, Anne Milligan, recorded in the summer of 2021, highlighting Coral Honeysuckle. Read more about our native plants sanctuary in our new book: Let the Earth Breathe
