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To learn more about the map elements, please download the "Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees"
This distribution map has been developed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (partly based on the EUFORGEN map) and released under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0)
Caudullo, Giovanni; Welk, Erik; San-Miguel-Ayanz, Jesús (2017). Chorological maps and data for the main European woody species. figshare. Collection. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2918528
The following experts have contributed to the development of the EUFORGEN distribution maps:
Fazia Krouchi (Algeria), Hasmik Ghalachyan (Armenia), Thomas Geburek (Austria), Berthold Heinze (Austria), Rudi Litschauer (Austria), Rudolf Litschauer (Austria), Michael Mengl (Austria), Ferdinand Müller (Austria), Franz Starlinger (Austria), Valida Ali-zade (Azerbaijan), Vahid Djalal Hajiyev (Azerbaijan), Karen Cox (Belgium), Bart De Cuyper (Belgium), Olivier Desteucq (Belgium), Patrick Mertens (Belgium), Jos Van Slycken (Belgium), An Vanden Broeck (Belgium), Kristine Vander Mijnsbrugge (Belgium), Dalibor Ballian (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Alexander H. Alexandrov (Bulgaria), Alexander Delkov (Bulgaria), Ivanova Denitsa Pandeva (Bulgaria), Peter Zhelev Stoyanov (Bulgaria), Joso Gracan (Croatia), Marilena Idzojtic (Croatia), Mladen Ivankovic (Croatia), Željka Ivanović (Croatia), Davorin Kajba (Croatia), Hrvoje Marjanovic (Croatia), Sanja Peric (Croatia), Andreas Christou (Cyprus), Xenophon Hadjikyriacou (Cyprus), Václav Buriánek (Czech Republic), Jan Chládek (Czech Republic), Josef Frýdl (Czech Republic), Petr Novotný (Czech Republic), Martin Slovacek (Czech Republic), Zdenek Špišek (Czech Republic), Karel Vancura (Czech Republic), Ulrik Bräuner (Denmark), Bjerne Ditlevsen (Denmark), Jon Kehlet Hansen (Denmark), Jan Svejgaard Jensen (Denmark), Kalev Jðgiste (Estonia), Tiit Maaten (Estonia), Raul Pihu (Estonia), Ülo Tamm (Estonia), Arvo Tullus (Estonia), Aivo Vares (Estonia), Teijo Nikkanen (Finland), Sanna Paanukoski (Finland), Mari Rusanen (Finland), Pekka Vakkari (Finland), Leena Yrjänä (Finland), Daniel Cambon (France), Eric Collin (France), Alexis Ducousso (France), Bruno Fady (France), François Lefèvre (France), Brigitte Musch (France), Sylvie Oddou-Muratorio (France), Luc E. 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European honeysuckle has high genetic diversity within and between populations in Europe, with a high adaptability to diverse habitats (Smolik et al., 2006). Studies in the Netherlands and Poland revealed considerable genetic and phenotypic variation, even between cultivated and wild populations, indicating significant intraspecific diversity and regional differentiation (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998; Smolik et al., 2006). Polish genotypes showed clear differences in morphology and phenology, further supporting the existence of genetically distinct local forms (Smolik et al., 2006).
Studies across the honeysuckle (Lonicera) genus found a correlation between genetic and geographical distances, suggesting gradual genetic differentiation across regions (Xin, Huailiang, and Haiou, 2021). The genus demonstrates high genetic diversity, linked to strong adaptive capacity and resilience to changing environmental conditions (Xin, Huailiang, and Haiou, 2021).
Studies on European honeysuckle reveal a localized genetic structure influenced by limited gene flow and short-distance dispersal mechanisms. Genetic similarities between individuals decrease significantly with geographical distance up to 300 metres, suggesting that most gene flow occurs within populations, while long-distance dispersal is rare (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). This restricted movement of pollen and seeds contributes to the genetic differentiation of populations across the species’ range.
Population structure analyses indicate moderate genetic differentiation and the formation of distinct genetic clusters in different regions, consistent with the species’ habitat fragmentation and limited dispersal ability (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). In Poland, cluster analysis divided populations into three main groups, reflecting both geographic separation and cultivated origins, highlighting regional divergence within the species (Smolik et al., 2006).
European honeysuckle primarily reproduces sexually, although vegetative reproduction also contributes to local diversity (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). Gene flow is restricted to short distances, typically within 300 metres (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). Seeds are dispersed by birds, while pollen is transferred by insects such as moths and bees, limiting long-distance dispersal and reinforcing local genetic clustering.
As a result, offspring tend to establish close to the parent plant, leading to a highly localized genetic structure (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). Restricted gene flow promotes genetic distinctiveness within populations, maintaining overall diversity but also increasing the potential for isolation between fragmented populations.
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
Within the honeysuckle genus, there are two subgenera (Chamaecerasus and Lonicera) and three main sections (Isoxylosteum, Isika, and Coeloxylosteum), showing significant morphological differentiation across 19 species (Xin, Huailiang, and Haiou, 2021). For European honeysuckle, such taxonomic separation contributes to its distinct genetic identity within the Lonicera complex while maintaining shared ancestral variation that supports adaptability and genetic resilience across related taxa (Xin, Huailiang, and Haiou, 2021).
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
Research on the genetic diversity of European honeysuckle in Europe is limited, making it difficult to fully assess existing threats. However, habitat fragmentation, local population isolation, and reduced gene flow between distant populations contribute to genetic differentiation and potential loss of diversity (Grashof-Bokdam, Jansen, and Smulders, 1998). Such fragmentation may restrict pollinator movement and seed dispersal, limiting natural regeneration and adaptation potential under changing environmental conditions.
Given the limited research, further genetic studies are essential to identify priority populations and understand their adaptive variation. Conservation strategies should focus on maintaining habitat connectivity, promoting natural regeneration, and preserving diverse populations across different ecological regions to sustain the species’ genetic resilience. Expanding molecular studies and monitoring population dynamics would help guide effective long-term management of European honeysuckle genetic resources in Europe.
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
Further reading
Smith, S.A. and Donoghue, M.J. 2010. Combining historical biogeography with niche modeling in the Caprifolium clade of Lonicera (Caprifoliaceae, Dipsacales). Systematic Biology, 59(3): 322–341. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syq011
References
Grashof‐Bokdam, C.J., Jansen, J., and Smulders, M.J.M. 1998. Dispersal patterns of Lonicera periclymenum determined by genetic analysis. Molecular Ecology, 7(2): 165–174. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-294x.1998.00327.x
Smolik, M., Zieliński, J., Rzepka-Plevneš, D., and Adamska, K. 2006. Polymorphism of microsatellite sequences in morphologically and phenologically different genotypes of Lonicera periclymenum. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 4(2): 226–233.
Xin, M.A., Huailiang, T.I.A.N., and Haiou, X.I.A. 2021. Genetic diversity of Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) estimated by molecular markers and morphological characters. Genetika, 53(2): 651–662. https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2102651M
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