Caprifoliaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Opposite leaves, simple or occasionally pinnately compound
• Flowers often tubular, bilabiate (2-lipped), or rotate, typically 5-merous
• Inferior or half-inferior ovary
• Fruit a berry, drupe, achene, or capsule
• Broadly circumscribed under APG to include Dipsacaceae (teasel) and Valerianaceae (valerian)

Notable Genera

• Lonicera (honeysuckle)
• Sambucus (elderberry)
• Viburnum (viburnum, arrowwood)
• Symphoricarpos (snowberry)
• Weigela (weigela)
• Dipsacus (teasel)
• Valeriana (valerian)

Notes

Elderberries (Sambucus) are widely used for syrups, wines, and traditional cold remedies. Valerian root is a popular herbal sleep aid. Many Lonicera species are invasive in North America. Viburnum species are ecologically important shrubs in temperate forests.