Tatarian honeysuckle | The Morton Arboretum

Tatarian honeysuckle is an exotic weed in Illinois. The Illinois Exotic Weed Act prohibits the sale or distribution of this plant in Illinois. This shrub spreads mainly through seed dispersal, which is facilitated by animals that consume them. This is a shrub that creates tightly packed colonies. It leafs out earlier than other plants and forms dense vegetative thickets that restrict other plants’ access to the sunlight, nutrients, and space that they need for growth. Because it prefers forests, this habit can prevent native tree, shrub, and plant species from developing in the understory of a forest. Research has also suggested that the shrub may have the ability to alter the soil of its surroundings (allelopathic properties), which makes it difficult for nearby plants to survive. It commonly grows in wooded areas, such as savannas and forests, as well as disturbed sites. It was introduced from eastern Asia as an ornamental shrub, and today is found throughout most regions of the United States.

Tatarian honeysuckle is also an invasive plant. An invasive plant is a plant species that is non-native to the location being considered and whose presence and spread negatively impacts (or is likely to impact) ecological and economic health. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this plant is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.

As an alternative, common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a shrub native to the Eastern United States with a similar appearance. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of Tatarian honeysuckle. More desirable species may be found using the online Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on these species, and ensure that the plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.

More Information

Size and Method of Spreading

The shrub can grow up to 10 feet in both height and width. The broad branches are densely packed.

Bark Color and Texture

Tatarian honeysuckle has light-gray to brown bark. The bark exfoliates, developing deeper ridges and breaking into long strips as the shrub matures.

Leaf Description

The simple, opposite leaves are light green. They are oval-shaped to oblong, and about 1 to 3 inches in length, with a short-pointed tip (acute). The edges of the leaf are smooth (entire leaf margins). The surface of the leaf is smooth.

Flower Description

The fragrant flowers are up to 1 inch in size. They are light pink to red. The flowers bloom from a short stem, in the leaf axils, in groups of two to four, though most commonly are seen in pairs. The shape of the flower is tubular, with an upper and lower set of fused petals (bilabiate flowers). Flowering occurs from late spring into early summer.

Fruit Description

The shrub develops a pair of berries at the nodes of the stem. They are about ¼ inch in size, and light orange to dark red. Inside are light brown seeds.