Family: Caprifoliaceae
Author: S.Watson
Bibliography: Botany [Fortieth Parallel]: 133 (1871)
Year: 1871
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lonicera
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
Utah honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera utahensis, is an intriguing member of the Caprifoliaceae family. This shrub-like plant is notable for its adaptability and widespread occurrence across different regions, prominently spanning from Western Canada to the western and west-central parts of the United States. Described and documented meticulously by botanist S. Watson in the 1871 publication “Botany [Fortieth Parallel],” the Utah honeysuckle has drawn interest from both botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Characterized by its distinctive growth habit, this deciduous plant typically takes on a sprawling, bushy form. The foliage of Lonicera utahensis is composed of opposite, simple leaves with a leathery texture. These leaves provide a lush green backdrop that enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal throughout the growth seasons.
One of the most captivating features of the Utah honeysuckle is its flowering pattern. The plant produces clusters of delicate, tubular flowers, which bloom prolifically in late spring to early summer. These blossoms, usually white or pale-yellow, emit a subtle fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus playing a vital role in the local ecosystem. Following the blooming period, the plant yields small red berries that add a splash of color and serve as a food source for wildlife, particularly birds.
Thriving in diverse environmental conditions, Lonicera utahensis prefers well-drained soils and can often be found growing in forests, along streams, and in mountainous regions. Its versatility in different habitats signifies its resilient nature. Furthermore, this plant is also utilized in landscaping for its ornamental value and ability to provide naturalistic cover.
Conservationists and gardeners alike appreciate Utah honeysuckle for its ecological contributions and its capability to adapt to various climates. As an integral part of its native regions’ biodiversity, Lonicera utahensis continues to be a subject of botanical research and conservation efforts to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Common Names
Eng: utah honeysuckle, red twinberry, rocky mountain honeysuckle
Fra: chèvrefeuille d’utah
En: Utah honeysuckle, Red twinberry, Rocky Mountain honeysuckle
Fr: Chèvrefeuille d’Utah
Synonyms
- Xylosteon ebractulatum ((Rydb.) Rydb.)
- Xylosteon utahensis ((S.Watson) Howell)
- Lonicera ebractulata (Rydb.)
- Lonicera utahensis f. ebractulata ((Rydb.) H.St.John)
- Caprifolium utahense ((S.Watson) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2020 by kendall warlow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2020 by kendall warlow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2020 by kendall warlow (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 17, 2020 by Holly Anderson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − wuen0609 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2015 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − wuen0609 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 9, 2012 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 19, 2021 by Doucet Monique (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by diane dodge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334226)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149160-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lonicera utahensis S. Watson)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.0
