Lonicera fragrantissima Lindl. & Paxton

Christmas Honeysuckle; Sweet Breath of Spring

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Winter Honeysuckle is an introduced deciduous or semi-evergreen member of the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is native to China. Winter Honeysuckle can be found throughout Alabama in disturbed woodlands, around old home sites, and along fence rows. It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub growing up to nine feet in height. The branches are often wide-spread and may root if they come into contact with the soil. The bark on older stems in tan and peels in shaggy strips. The stems are hollow. Leaves are opposite, ovate in outline, and entire. Flowers occur in the late winter and early spring. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, white or yellowish in color, and highly fragrant. The flowers occur in pairs in the leaf axils. The fruit is a red drupe. Winter Honeysuckle was first introduced into the United States in the 1840’s. Until around 1940 it was a popular ornamental and widely planted. Its early and fragrant flowers gave it a second common name—Sweet Breath of Spring. Because of the plants gangly growth habit it has lost favor in today’s manicured landscapes. Winter Honeysuckle is listed as a Category 2 invasive species by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council. Birds readily feed on the fruit and deposit the seed over a wide area. It is still readily available from many nurseries, and can also be grown from cuttings. It is tolerant to poor soils and drought. Winter Honeysuckle was often planted near a door or garden gate where its fragrant flowers could be enjoyed by passers-by. Twigs with buds can be cut and brought into the house and placed into a vase of water where they will continue to flower.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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