Invasive Weeds in Georgia

Evans, C.W., C.T. Bargeron, D.J. Moorhead & G.K. Douce. 2005. The Bugwood Network, The University of Georgia.

Japanese honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica Thunb.

Japanese honeysuckle is an evergreen to semi-evergreen vine that can be found either trailing or climbing to heights of over 80 feet. It has opposite, oval-shaped leaves that are 1 to 2 1/2 inches long. This plant easily identifiable by its showy, fragrant, tubular flowers that are whitish-pink to yellow in color and the small green berries that turn black when ripened.

A native of eastern Asia, it was first introduced into America in 1806 in Long Island, New York. Japanese honeysuckle has been planted widely throughout the United States as an ornamental, for erosion control, and for wildlife habitat. It currently occurs in at least 38 states and is found throughout Georgia.

Japanese honeysuckle invades a variety of habitats including forest floors and canopies, roadsides, wetlands, and disturbed areas. The long growing season, due to its evergreen tendencies, helps this plant out-compete many native species. It can girdle small saplings by twining around them and can form dense mats in the canopies of trees, shading out everything below.

Recommended herbicides for control:
Cut stem – glyphosate or Garlon 3A
Foliar spray – Escort, glyphosate, Garlon 3A, or Garlon 4

Photo by Chris Evans, UGA