Japanese “Vine” Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Its name reveals its Japanese origin, but it also is known to grow naturally in the Koreas. It was likely brought to the U.S. for ornamental purposes. However, it has quickly earned the reputation of an invasive plant in many states from Connecticut south and even into the Midwest, recently making its way into areas of Massachusetts. The flowers of this type of honeysuckle are white to cream colored. The leaves oblong and sometimes lobed with fine hairs on them; the berries are black

The biggest difference between this and Morrow’s Honeysuckle is its vine nature, leading it to sprawl across the ground until it finds trees or shrubs to climb. Then it will begin to smother them. The removal processes are nearly the same as for Morrow’s Honeysuckle, easy to do by hand if caught early, but once established and grown to a good size, mechanical means and herbicide may be necessary.

*Note that there is a native vine honeysuckle that is NOT an “invasive”. Careful identification must be made before any eradication is undertaken.