SafePlants

Asian Bush Honeysuckle

Asian Bush Honeysuckle refers to several invasive species of Lonicera, primarily impacting areas like the St. Louis region and southeastern Ohio. It is crucial to differentiate these shrubby honeysuckles from native vine honeysuckles.

Considerations for Pets

• Berries are produced in the late fall.

Considerations for Children

• Berries are produced in the late fall.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle is one example), Lonicera tatarica, Lonicera morrowii, Lonicera nitida, Diervilla lonicera, Diervilla sessilifolia
• Common Names: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Bush Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle Bush, Poor Man's Box, Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Goat's Leaf, Chèvre-feuille (French), Geisblatt (German)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Genus: Lonicera, Diervilla
• Synonyms/Related Species: Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), Belle's Honeysuckle (Lonicera × bella), Fragrant Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), Standish's Honeysuckle (Lonicera standishii), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to temperate eastern Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, Manchuria, and Turkey. Also Southern Russia.
• Widely planted as ornamental shrubs.
• Has become invasive in regions like Missouri, Pennsylvania, and southeastern Ohio, outcompeting native plant species.
• Often found in yards, along streets and roads, and in wooded areas.

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive species.
• Displaces native forest shrubs and herbaceous plants.
• Fruits are consumed by birds, which aids in seed dispersal, contributing to its invasive spread.

Morphological Characteristics

• Upright, deciduous shrubs with arching branches.
• Typically grows 6-20 feet tall, though some varieties, like the Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, are smaller (around 3 feet).
• Leaves are dark green and egg-shaped, sometimes with tapering tips (as in Amur Honeysuckle).
• Some species have exfoliating bark that reveals orange inner bark.
• Flowers are tubular and can be yellow, orange, or red, blooming from spring to midsummer. Northern bush honeysuckle blooms with clusters of tubular yellow flowers.
• Berries are produced in late fall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds.
• Outcompetes many native plant species.

Resources and Further Information

• Invasive Plants: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants (USDA Forest Service)
• Magnificentmissi.org (for information on conservation and related events in Missouri)
• Stop-Honeysuckle.org