Japanese honeysuckle climbing up nearby trees. / Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov
Note: This is the first installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.
Many people recognize honeysuckle as a fast-spreading invasive shrub that can quickly displace native vegetation. But did you know that some honeysuckles exist as a vine?
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive perennial vine that can grow to a length of 80 feet or longer. Birds will often eat and disperse the berries the vine produces, allowing for the creation of new populations.