Japanese honeysuckle
Common name: Japanese honeysuckle
Scientific name: Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Synonyms: Golden and silver honeysuckle
Legal status: Prohibited Eradicate
Life cycle: Perennial
Related species: Lonicera dioica, Lonicera flava, Lonicera hirsuta
Habitat: Primarily occurs in disturbed habitats, but also found in open woods, old fields, roadsides, and fence rows. Moderately shade tolerant but prefers full sun.
Impact: Environmental, rapid growth, capable of engulfing small trees and shrubs causing their collapse. It can shade other plants in the understory choking out native species.
Native range: Eastern Asia
Means of spread: Spreads by seeds. Birds can consume fruit and disperse seeds, or it can reproduce vegetatively with vines trailing on the ground and rooting at the nodes.
Background
Since its introduction in 1806, it has spread to Ontario, Puerto Rico, and 38 states. It was introduced to the United States from Japan for use as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and for wildlife forage and cover. Its ornamental value comes from the prolific fragrant flowers and dense, rapid growth.
Identification
Japanese honeysuckle is a woody, twining vine that can grow 30 feet in length or more. It has opposite leaves that are ovate and 1.5 to 3 inches in length. The fruits are black to purple, glossy, and paired. The flowers are white when young and then become yellowish. The flowers are paired and tubular. The stems are hairy and reddish to light brown.
Management
- Mechanical: Hand-pulling, mowing (may cause resprouting), or tillage (may stimulate seed germination)
- Chemical: Foliar herbicide treatment
Images and their description
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Characteristics described |
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Opposite, ovate leaves are 1.5 to 3 inches in length. |
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Stems are hairy or fuzzy with reddish light brown color. |
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Flowers are white in color, paired, and tubular. |
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Woody, twining vine that can grow 30 feet in length or more. |
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Japanese honeysuckle infestation along the Buffalo River. |