Southern Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata var. subspicata) is a rare native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in the Transverse Range region, but with scattered locations elsewhere. Lonicera subspicata has two recognized varieties, the other being var. denudata which is more common and widespread. There are subtle difference between the Varieties: Var. subspicata tends to grow on slopes, at elevations from 0-3300 feet. It is known from several areas in mountain and coastal habitat, particularly chaparral. It is a vining shrub which usually climbs on other plants for support. It may exceed two meters in length. It is lined with oval leaves up to 4 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a long, fuzzy spike of white flowers each about a centimeter long. The flower has an upper and lower lip with hairy stamens and style protruding. The fruit is a round red or yellow berry just under a centimeter wide.
Lonicera subspicata var. subspicata
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