Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPPC). 2003. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual.
Description
Japanese honeysuckle is a perennial climbing or trailing woody vine, introduced from Japan for its value as an ornamental, for erosion control, and for wildlife cover. It became widely established in this country by the early 1900s and has now spread over the eastern and midwestern United States. Japanese honeysuckle is still propagated and promoted as a ground cover in areas where it has not yet become a pest. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) family.
Height: Japanese honeysuckle is a climbing and trailing vine that can reach a total height of 9-12 m (30-40 ft) depending on surrounding vegetation. Annual growth may reach 9 m (30 ft).
Leaves: Japanese honeysuckle leaves are evergreen, 3.0-7.5 cm (0.5-3.0 in) long, 1.5-4.5 cm (0.6-1.8 in) wide, ciliate to eciliate, opposite, and ovate. Mature leaves are generally entire although there is a toothed form.
Stem: The vines are woody and densely pubescent to glabrous.
Flowers: Inflorescence is 0.8-3.0 cm (0.3-1.2 in) long with curved stamens that project from a two-lipped, five-lobed corolla (white or yellow). Flowers are very fragrant and borne in pairs in the axils. Blooms April-June.
Fruit: Fruits are small, 5-6 mm (0.19-0.23 in) in diameter, globose to subglobose black berries containing 2-3 seeds each. Matures August-October.
Seeds: Seeds are black, lustrous, 3.0-3.3 mm (0.12-0.13 in) long, oval to oblong, and flat to concave on one side and 3-ribbed on the other.
Life History
Japanese honeysuckle starts its growing season in early spring when temperatures reach 34-48°F. Vegetative reproduction is through stolons that develop new roots and shoots at short intervals. Japanese honeysuckle flowers prolifically in full sunlight starting in April or May and continuing into June. Seeds, widely dispersed by birds, may germinate in a variety of light conditions and begin photosynthesis almost immediately. Mature plants have relatively shallow root systems that range in depth from 15-30 cm (6-12 in) on moist sites. Although unable to twine around large trees (>15 cm Dbh), honeysuckle vines can attain canopy height by twining around and growing with other vegetation and may girdle the stems or over-top smaller shrubs and trees. Persistent green leaves are able to continue photosynthesis during winter months, contributing to its ability to dominate favorable sites.
Origin and Distribution
A native of the Nagasaki area of Japan, Japanese honeysuckle was introduced in 1806 for its delicious fragrance and horticultural uses. By 1919 it had spread from the Gulf of Mexico to New York. Present distribution extends from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Illinois and Michigan. Japanese honeysuckle has been identified throughout Tennessee and has reached pest proportions in areas where annual precipitation is at least 100 cm (39 in).
Similar Species
Japanese honeysuckle is not easily confused with native twining vine species present in Tennessee. The juvenile stage of native honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis [Bartr.]) resembles the leaf structure of Japanese honeysuckle. Distinguishing characteristics of L. canadensis include yellow flowers, shrub-like growth form, and deciduous foliage. It is found only in higher elevations (>3500 ft). Coral honeysuckle (L. sempervirens L.) has tubular red flowers in one or more terminal spikes.
Habitat
Japanese honeysuckle is associated with disturbance within or along woodlands, roadsides, fence rows, pastures, old fields, and canopy gaps. Once established, it can endure low light levels without noticeable growth and then respond to increased light with vigorous growth. Honeysuckle thrives in fertile, nitrogen-rich soil where an established colony spreads rapidly until nitrogen-poor soil or shade is encountered. As a ground cover it can form dense mats that completely occupy a habitat.
Management Recommendations
Mechanical Control
Grubbing: This method is appropriate for small initial populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. Using a pulaski or similar digging tool remove the entire plant, including all roots and runners. Juvenile plants can be hand pulled depending on soil conditions and root development. Any portions of the root system not removed may resprout. All plant parts, including mature fruit, should be bagged and disposed of in a trash dumpster to prevent reestablishment.
Herbicidal Control
Cut Stump Treatment: Use this method in areas where vines are established within or around non-target plants, or where they have grown into the canopy. This treatment remains effective at low temperatures as long as the ground is not frozen. Glyphosate: Cut the stem 5 cm (2 in) above ground level. Immediately apply a 25% solution of glyphosate and water to the cross-section of the stem. A subsequent foliar application of glyphosate may be required to control new seedlings and resprouts.
Triclopyr: Cut the stem 5 cm (2 in) above ground level. Immediately apply a 25% solution of triclopyr and water to the cross-section of the stem. A subsequent foliar application may be necessary to control new seedlings.
Foliar Spray Method: Use this method to control large populations. It may be necessary to precede foliar applications with stump treatments to reduce the risk of damaging non-target species.
Glyphosate: Apply a 2% solution of glyphosate and water to thoroughly wet all foliage. Do not apply so heavily that herbicide will drip off leaves. The ideal time to spray is after surrounding vegetation has become dormant (October- November) to avoid affecting non-target species. A 0.5% non-ionic surfactant is recommended in order to penetrate the leaf cuticle. Ambient air temperature should be above 65°F.
Triclopyr: Apply a 2% solution of triclopyr and water to thoroughly wet all foliage. Do not apply so heavily that herbicide will drip off leaves. The ideal time to spray is after surrounding vegetation has become dormant (October- November) to avoid affecting non-target species. A 0.5% non-ionic surfactant is recommended in order to penetrate the leaf cuticle. Ambient air temperature should be above 65°F.
Bibliography
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