Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica (Thunb.) Caprifoliaceae

Biology Native to Japan and AsiaNative to Japan and Asia Introduced to U.S. in 1906 for highway use – stabilize banks, reduce erosionIntroduced to U.S. in 1906 for highway use – stabilize banks, reduce erosion Wildlife managers also used as a winter forage for deerWildlife managers also used as a winter forage for deer Adaptable to a wide range of habitats, ranging from Florida to New EnglandAdaptable to a wide range of habitats, ranging from Florida to New England

Background Economic Uses Wide spread use as an ornamentalWide spread use as an ornamental – fast growth – fragrant flowers

Distribution Found throughout much of FloridaFound throughout much of Florida Commonly found along roadways and disturbed areas, forest edges, fencerowsCommonly found along roadways and disturbed areas, forest edges, fencerows Also found in many state along the east coast, from Florida to New England, less invasive in more northern climatesAlso found in many state along the east coast, from Florida to New England, less invasive in more northern climates

Japanese Honeysuckle Distribution in Florida

Impacts Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC)Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC) –Able to spread into undisturbed sites Readily establishes, outcompetes native speciesReadily establishes, outcompetes native species Covers small trees and shrubs, smothers understory vegetationCovers small trees and shrubs, smothers understory vegetation

Identification

Mature Plant Evergreen, twining vineEvergreen, twining vine Can reach lengths of 80 to 120 feetCan reach lengths of 80 to 120 feet Produces runners from main stemsProduces runners from main stems Older stems hollow, peeling bark in long stripsOlder stems hollow, peeling bark in long strips

Leaves and Stems Oppositely arrangedOppositely arranged Ovate-shapedOvate-shaped –1.5 to 3 inches Stems are reddish in colorStems are reddish in color –Slightly pubescent

Flowers and Fruit Flowering occurs from April to JulyFlowering occurs from April to July Borne in pairs, tubularBorne in pairs, tubular Fade - white to yellowFade - white to yellow Fruit are blackish, contain 2-3 seedsFruit are blackish, contain 2-3 seeds Consumed and dispersed by birdsConsumed and dispersed by birds

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, including resprouts/runners and before seeds are produced 3.Prevent seed spread and dispersal 4.Rouge out vines in abandoned areas

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace Japanese honeysuckle  Native honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this plant and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.With the exception of wildlife foraging, there are no known biological control agents available for Japanese honeysuckle management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, including all roots, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Cut vines down at ground level 3.Mowing is effective on small vines and resprouts, but must be repeated

Chemical - Foliar 1.Over-the-top applications for seedlings, resprouts and small vines 2.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide Triclopyr – 2 to 5% solution Triclopyr – 2 to 5% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 4% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 4% solution Use surfactant at 0.25% Use surfactant at 0.25% 3.Best results applied late fall

Chemical - Basal 1.Individual vines, near desirable species 2.Use 25% triclopyr solution with basal oil 3.Apply 12 to 15 inches above ground on tree trunk 4.Wet thoroughly for good control, spray until run-off is noticeable at ground line

Chemical – Cut Stump 1.Individual vines, near desirable species 2.Cut trunks/stems horizonally at or near ground level 3.Apply 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr 4.Cover the outer 20% of the stump 5.Marker (blue) dye is helpful

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source:

Useful Links Nuzzo, V Element Stewardship Abstracts for Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle. The Nature Conservancy: Williams, C.E. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg). Department of Biology, Clarion University. Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation

Useful Links The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems: Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp