October is Florida Native Species Month! To celebrate, we here at TESI are featuring coral honeysuckle, one of Florida’s native plant species.  

What’s Going On? 

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), also called trumpet honeysuckle, is a vine native to all parts of Florida. In Central and South Florida, the vine is evergreen, while colder North Florida winters cause the leaves to drop off 

Clusters of bright red, tube-shaped flowers emerge in the spring and early summer, attracting bees and butterflies. The blooms will mature into berries as the summer goes on, becoming attractive treats for birds such as cardinals. Coral honeysuckle bloom best in full sun and slightly acidic soil; individual stems of the honeysuckle vine can grow up to 15 feet in length! 

Why It Matters 

Native plants require less maintenance than non-native plants; they don’t need to be mowed or watered as often, reducing environmental impact. 

They also support biodiversity and keep the ecosystem in balance, unlike invasive species, which can alter the native landscape and cause the extinction of native species. 

Coral honeysuckle is low maintenance, provides wildlife with food and shelter, and serves as a great garden alternative to the invasive Japanese honeysuckle. 

How to Identify 

• Round, green leaves on a climbing vine 
• Clusters of red, tube-shaped flowers in the spring and early summer with a sweet smell 
• Tiny red berries in the late summertime 

What You Can Do 

Plant native species like coral honeysuckle in your yard instead of non-native species! They smell wonderful, bring wildlife such as bees, hummingbirds and cardinals to your yard, and are easy to maintain. 

Information from the University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions, LawnLove.com, United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Forest Service, and FloridaWildflowers.org.