Bush Honeysuckle

Lonicera spp.

About

In the warmer months of the year, many people appreciate the delicious scent of honeysuckle floating on the breeze. However, a variety of non-native honeysuckle species collectively known as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) are known to be invasive in natural areas by outcompeting important native vegetation, contributing to soil erosion, and can even be a danger to native songbirds.

Credit: F. D. Richards, "Lonicera tartaria, 2015", CC BY-SA 2.0

Credit: Sixflashphoto

Credit: Photo by Adam Janke, Iowa State University

Identifying Features

The egg-shaped leaves range from 1 to 3 inches in length and are arranged oppositely along stems .
Small (less than 1 inch long), very fragrant tubular flowersL. morrowii and L. tatarica produce ¼ inch red berries
Stems are hollow

Ecosystem Impacts

Many species of bush honeysuckle leaf out earlier than most native plants and form dense thickets too shady for many native species to survive under. Throughout forested areas, bush honeysuckle impedes reforestation of cut or disturbed areas and prevents reestablishment of important native plants. Bush honeysuckle creates soil erosion problems because the ground beneath it becomes bare, and its open branching habit exposes songbirds’ nests to predators.

Credit: Images by Evelyn Simak

Removal Techniques

Small populations of younger plants can be manually pulled
Remove the entire root system to prevent resprouting
Brush mowers can be used for larger infestations, but will need to be followed up with herbicide treatment
Apply herbicides (glyphosate, triclopyr, or metsulfuron-methyl) until no more plants reemerge