Japanese honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a species of honeysuckle native to eastern Asia. It is often grown as an ornamental plant, but has become an invasive species in a number of countries. Japanese honeysuckle is known for its distinctive, sweetly-scented flowers and its vigorous growth habit.

Description

Japanese honeysuckle is a twining vine that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length. The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 1–10 cm long; most are deciduous but some are evergreen. The flowers are double-tongued, opening white and fading to yellow, and sweetly vanilla scented. The fruit is a black spherical berry 3–4 mm diameter containing a few seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Japanese honeysuckle is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. It prefers to grow in full sun, and is extremely tolerant of various soil types, including those that are poor and dry.

Cultivation and uses

Japanese honeysuckle is widely cultivated for its attractive and fragrant flowers. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as jin yin hua.

Invasive species

In many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, Japanese honeysuckle has become an invasive species. It can outcompete native plants and create dense thickets that are difficult to manage.

Control

Control of Japanese honeysuckle invasions can be difficult, but is often achieved through a combination of physical removal and the use of herbicides.

See also

• Invasive species
• Honeysuckle

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