Lonicera japonica

Lonicera japonica, also known as Japanese Honeysuckle and Golden-and-Silver Honeysuckle, is a species of honeysuckle native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Korea. It is a twining vine able to climb up to 10 m high or more in trees, with opposite, simple oval leaves 3–8 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. 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.

Description

Lonicera japonica is a vigorous, deciduous, twining vine which typically grows 15-30'. Extremely fragrant, slender, tubular, two-lipped, pure white flowers age to light yellow. Blooms from late spring to frost. Flowers are followed by black berries which mature in late summer to early fall. Oval, dark green leaves (to 3" long).

Distribution and habitat

Lonicera japonica is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan and Korea. It is a twining vine able to climb up to 10 m high or more in trees. It is commonly found in forests, along roadsides, in disturbed areas and in ornamental plantings.

Uses

Lonicera japonica is valued in horticulture for its attractive, fragrant flowers and its ability to cover unsightly walls and outbuildings. It has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Invasive species

In some parts of the United States, it has become an invasive species. It is listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List in the United States and is a serious pest in many other parts of the world.

See also

• List of Lonicera species
• Invasive species in the United States

References

Lonicera japonica Resources
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