Red Honeysuckle

A fanciful garland of honeysuckle is blooming in my friend's yard right now. The blossoms gather in groups, like girls in bright party dresses. As a child, I only knew of its white and yellow cousin, the Japanese honeysuckle. We would pick the flowers and suck out the sweet nectar inside. But it is an invasive species, able to upholster shrubbery or take over a neglected corner of a back yard in a couple of seasons. Although the red version looks more exotic than the flower of my childhood, this honeysuckle is a native plant, beloved by hummingbirds. I’m glad they enjoy feasting from the flowers, but its beauty alone is enough reason to plant it.