Description

California is home to about seven honeysuckle species. They tend to grow in shady areas as climbing vines or open shrubs. Chaparral honeysuckle occupies a spot somewhere in between these two growth forms. It tends to grow among other shrubs, into which it will grow, but it will maintain its own rounded, open form. It is often found growing as a free-standing shrub. The leaves are a soft apple-green. The pendent clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers are white to light yellow and quite attractive to hummingbirds. As the growing season progresses, the flowers produce conspicuous orange-red berries. Although this honeysuckle is evergreen, it does tend to go dormant in the late summer. The leaves will yellow somewhat and growth will cease. The plant will commence new growth with the onset of winter cool and rain.