Japanese Honeysuckle

Samantha WatkinsWetlands and Riparian Ecology

September 23 2008

Scientific name: Lonicera japonicaCommon names: Japanese HoneysuckleNative To: AsiaDate of U.S. Introduction: 1800sMeans of Introduction: OrnamentalWetland Status: FAC Impact: Crowds out native species

The basics…

Let’s take a closer look….

Stems: Climb on other vegetation or trail along the ground. Stems become woody with maturity. Stems are usually hairy but sometimes may be without hairs.

Leaves: Opposite arrangement, hairy, elliptical, and found on short petioles roughly 3-10 mm in length.

Weed Description: A climbing or trailing vine with attractive and fragrant flowers

Flowers: Flowers occur in pairs and arise from the positions between the stems and leaves (leaf axils). Flower pairs occur on short flower stalks (peduncles). Individual flowers are very fragrant, and are white to yellow in color.Fruit: A round, black berry approximately 6 mm in diameter.

Common look-a-likes…Morrow's Bush-Honeysuckle and Tatarian Honeysuckle

-both species resemble Japanese honeysuckle, however have red berries and are more shrub-like

What’s the damage?

Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System

What is being done?

Manual and mechanical: For small patches, hand-pulling of vines and root systems may be effective. Tools can be used to help free root systems. Hand-pulling is most effective on root systems when the soil is moist. Repeated removal may be necessary to prevent reestablishment.

Chemical: Herbicide may be applied by spray to leaves or in higher concentrations to stems. Both glyphosate and triclopyr herbicides have been used effectively on Japanese honeysuckle. Example: Escort® XP herbicide

You’ve been warned!