Lonicera hispidula

The perennial vine Lonicera hispidula is a species of honeysuckle known as pink honeysuckle and, less often, California honeysuckle. It is a low-elevation woodlands shrub or vine found on the West Coast of North America.

Description
Like other honeysuckles, Lonicera hispidula has pairs of leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem, with the uppermost pair fused at the bases to surround the stem. At the end of the stem grow pink blossoms. It is a perennial shrub or vine. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower database, "Berries may be mildly poisonous if eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size."

Ecology
Lonicera hispidula grows in riparian and woodland areas. The flowers attract hummingbirds, while other birds eat the fruits.

Human uses
The stems are hollow and sturdy and were used by the Pomo people as smoking pipes. It is cultivated by specialty native plant plant nurseries as an ornamental plant for drought-tolerant wildlife gardens and natural landscaping in California.

Taxonomy
Currently no subspecies are recognized. Previously recognized subspecies include Lonicera hispidula var. californica (Torr. & A. Gray) Rehder, Lonicera hispidula var. hispidula, and Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans A. Gray.