Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum, Sp. Pl.: 173 (1753))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 173 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lonicera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, Morocco

Description

Woodbine, scientifically known as Lonicera periclymenum, is a distinguishing and vibrant climbing plant that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. This perennial plant is native to various regions across Europe and Morocco, where it thrives in the temperate climates and diverse habitats provided by these areas.

Characterized by its twining stems, Woodbine is a climber that can ascend up to 7 meters, often adorning trellises, fences, and walls with its lush, green foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped, opposing each other on the stem, and provide an attractive backdrop to the plant’s true showstoppers—its flowers.

The flowers of Woodbine are tubular and trumpet-shaped, emerging in clusters and exuding a sweet, enchanting fragrance, especially during the evening. These blossoms, which appear from late spring to late summer, captivate with their cream and yellow hues, often blushed with pink or red accents. This mesmerizing display not only attracts human admiration but also draws in numerous pollinators, such as bees, moths, and butterflies, making it a vital contributor to local ecosystems.

In the autumn, the flowers give way to small, red berries that provide an additional splash of color, although these berries are generally disliked by humans due to their bitter taste and mild toxicity. Nevertheless, they serve as a food source for various birds and wildlife, thus continuing the plant’s role in supporting biodiversity.

Historically, Woodbine has been referenced as early as 1753 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum,” underscoring its long-standing recognition and study in botanical literature. Its resilient nature and vigorous growth make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest and natural beauty to their landscapes.

Aside from its ornamental value, Lonicera periclymenum’s intertwined culture and ecology make it a fascinating subject of both historical and environmental consideration. With its delightful perfume, visual appeal, and ecological importance, Woodbine remains a cherished and important species in the flora of Europe and Morocco.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig gedeblad, vild kaprifolie
Eng: european honeysuckle, honeysuckle, woodbine, common honeysuckle, woodbine honeysuckle
Lav: v
Lit: vijoklinis sausmedis
Deu: wald-geißblatt
Fra: chèvrefeuille des bois, clématite des bois
Nor: ringtræ, vievendel
Fin: ruotsinköynnöskuusama
Swe: ruotsinköynnöskuusama, vildkaprifol
Nno: vivendel
Nob: vivendel
Nld: wilde kamperfoelie
Ces: zemolez ovíjavý
Cym: crydduydd, crydnydd, gwinwydden wyllt, gwyddfid, gwyddwydd, gwynwydd, gwynwydd aroglus, llaeth y gaseg, llaeth y geifr, llysiau helgorn, llysiau’r gwynwydd, melog, melys y pia, mêl-flodyn, sugn y geifr, tethau’r gaseg, tethi’r gaseg, utgorn y tylwyth teg
Gla: iadh-shlatan, idha-shlat, lus na meala, lusan na meala
En: Woodbine, Honeysuckle, European honeysuckle, Κυκλάμινος ἑτέρα, Woodbine honeysuckle, Common Honeysuckle, English wild Honeysuckle
Sq: Lulekace
Ar: عسلة أوروبية
Be: Бружмель павойны
Ca: Xuclamel comú, Lligabosc atlàntic
Hr: Šumska kozja krv
Cs: Zimolez ovíjivý, Zemolez ovíjavý
Da: Almindelig Gedeblad, Vild kaprifolie
Nl: Wilde kamperfoelie, Boskamperfoelie
Eo: Eŭropa lonicero
Et: Väänduv kuslapuu
Fi: Ruotsinköynnöskuusama
Fr: Clématite des bois, Chèvrefeuille des bois, Cranquillier, Chèvrefeuille périclymène
Gl: Herba salgueira
De: Wald-Geißblatt, Deutsches Geißblatt, Waldgeißblatt, Baumwürger, Georgenrose, Windendes Geißblatt
Hu: Búbos lonc
It: Caprifoglio atlantico, Caprifoglio dei boschi, Madreselva
Lv: V
Lt: Vijoklinis sausmedis
No: Vivendel, Ringtræ, Vievendel
Nb: Vivendel
Nn: Vivendel
Pl: Wiciokrzew pomorski
Pt: Madressilva
Ru: Жимолость вьющаяся
Gd: Iadh-shlatan, Idha-shlat, Lus na meala, Lusan na meala
Sk: Zemolez ovíjavý
Es: Madreselva, Parra silvestre, Madre selva
Sv: Vildkaprifol, Ruotsinköynnöskuusama
Tr: Hanimeli
Cy: Gwyddfid, Crydduydd, Crydnydd, Gwinwydden Wyllt, Gwyddwydd, Gwynwydd, Gwynwydd Aroglus, Llaeth y Gaseg, Llaeth y Geifr, Llysiau Helgorn, Llysiau’r Gwynwydd, Melog, Melys y Pia, Mêl-Flodyn, Sugn y Geifr, Tethau’r Gaseg, Tethi’r Gaseg, Utgorn y Tylwyth Teg

Synonyms

• Periclymenum vulgare (Mill.)
• Caprifolium periclymenum ((L.) Delarbre)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 21, 2018 by Hélène Rabin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2016 by Laurie David (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Simona McK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Sergio-OMA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Bernard bloin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2017 by Jonatán Kreszta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by sasha chaplin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pierre CAZES (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − William MARCHAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Dave Vanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by damm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149006-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334277)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lonicera periclymenum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Vine

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 4