Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas

Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of
Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 82 pp.

J.D. Ruffner, USDA

Japanese honeysuckle is a perennial vine that was introduced from eastern Asia during the 1800's as an ornamental, for erosion control and for wildlife cover and food. Japanese honeysuckle is extremely widespread, occurring in at least 38 states from California across southern and midwestern states to New England and the Great Lakes region. It escaped cultivation to invade cultivated and natural areas where it grows vigorously, smothering most vegetation in its path, and girdles shrubs and young trees as it twines up to reach greater light. Its evergreen nature gives it an additional advantage, allowing it to grow when most other plants are dormant. Japanese honeysuckle is a vigorous bloomer and produces abundant seed dispersed by birds.

Prevention and Control
Small populations can be controlled by hand removal of trailing vines. Over large areas, mowing twice a year can slow vegetative spread, however due to re-sprouting, stem density may increase. Japanese honeysuckle can be treated with glyphosate herbicide. Reapplication may be necessary.

Native Alternatives
Vines: crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), trumpet or coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Plants for fragrance: sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

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