Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family
The Caprifoliaceae is a small family consists primarily of shrubs and vines and some Forb/herbs and is almost worldwide in species distribution. Greatest populations are found in eastern North America and eastern Asis. This family is thought to be absent in tropical and southern Africa. Their leaves are usually opposite, evergreen or deciduous, flower shape is often tubular or bell-like (campanulate), often with a sweet fragrance. Under the petals the sepals often have small bracts. fruits are berries or a drupe, others are capsular (capsules).
Important species in this family include the Honeysuckles (Lonicera), Snowberry, Waxberry or Ghostberry (Symphoricarpos) which are commonly used for ornamental purposes. Two other Important genera include Abelia and Weigela.
Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, which can grow large and strangle other plants, is considered an invasive weed outside of its native east Asia range.
According to the United States Geological Survey, Plants, in North America, the Caprifoliaceae family contains 11 genera and 181 accepted taxa overall. The Plant List includes 53 genera and 857 accepted species names in the family. The Encyclopedia Britannica lists 42 genera and 890 species for the Honeysuckle family.
- Lonicera albiflora, Western White Honeysuckle
- Lonicera arizonica, Arizona Honeysuckle
- Lonicera interrupta, Chaparral Honeysuckle
- Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea, Blue Elderberry (see Family Adoxaceae)