Bush Honeysuckles

Impact – This woody shrub forms dense thickets crowding out native plants inhibiting forest regeneration. Spreads long distances into forests by birds dispersing fruit & seeds. It grows well in full /partial sun and was planted as an ornamental. Once established, bush honeysuckles form dense thickets There are four similar species that are invasive and native to Asia and Western Europe (Amur, Morrows’s, Tartarian and Belle are referred to as Bush Honeysuckles).

How to Identify– This shrub grows 6-15 ft tall and wide 20+ ft. Leaves are oval, opposite with smooth edges. Grey Stems are hollow. It flowers in May / June with pink, white or yellow blooms followed by clusters of red, pink or orange berries in late summer. They are the first woody shrub to produce leaves in the spring.

Control – If you like honeysuckles, remove the above invasives and replace with natives- (Canadian, Trumpet, Limber and Northern variety). Larger plants require foliar herbicide treatment- Glyphosate or Triclopyrs throughout the season. Treat cut stems with same. Smaller plants can be dug but leave dug plants on site following removal and do not let roots contact soil. Mowing with a brush cutter can be used as a suppression technique. Burn removed plants.