goldflame honeysuckle
(Lonicera x heckrottii Rehd. [×americana × sempervirens])

Overview

Appearance

Lonicera x heckrottii is a deciduous vine that grows from 10-15 ft (3-4.6 m) long. It can be pruned into a shrub shape. The stems are reddish and glabrous. It is semi-evergreen in mild climates. Lonicera x heckrottii is a cross between a European hybrid and an American native Lonicera species, L. sempervirens and L. americana. It is still used as a landscape plant.

Foliage

The opposite blue green leaves are ovate and about 2 in (5 cm) long. Leaves are simple with entire margins.

Flowers

The fragrant tubular flowers are pink on the outside and yellow on the inside. They are held in terminal whorls. Lonicera x heckrottii blooms from June through August.

Fruit

Fruit are bright red berries, about 0.25 in (0.6 cm) in diameter. The seed may be spread by wildlife.

Ecological Threat

Lonicera x heckrottii prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, moist well drained soils. It can tolerate some drought. Lonicera x heckrottii is listed as invasive in Illinois.

Selected Images

Invasive Listing Sources

No reference that we have lists this species as invasive in North America. This species is included for comparison to other species that are considered invasive.