Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Zones: 4a to 9b

Native Vine
Hummingbird Favorite

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable. Not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Two independent sources were checked and neither addresses toxicity for this specific species: ASPCA has no page for coral honeysuckle, and NC State Extension's factsheet doesn't mention toxicity either way. That means unassessed, not cleared as safe: keep pets from chewing it as a precaution. Note: a different plant also sometimes called 'honeysuckle': Honeysuckle Fuchsia (Fuchsia triphylla): is an unrelated species; any toxicity information about it does not apply to true coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a to 9b
Mature size: 10-20 feet tall, spreading 3-6 feet wide, with rapid growth (NC State Extension).
Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family)
Where it comes from: Eastern United States, including North Carolina (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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