European fly honeysuckle is 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, economic, or human health. This plant spreads by seed. European fly honeysuckle is native to Europe and Asia, but has been planted as a landscape shrub for many decades. It is now being found in open areas with poor, but well-drained soils. It occurs in scattered locations throughout the Midwestern, mid-Atlantic and New England states. Birds and animals eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. Seedlings can develop into thickets that may compete with native plants and reduce plant diversity. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this shrub is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.
There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of European fly honeysuckle. More desirable species may be found using the 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 make sure that the plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Honeysuckle
- Family (botanic) Caprifoliaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Occasional drought
- Season of interest mid spring, late spring
- Flower color and fragrance White
- Shape or form Mounded, Round
- Growth rate Fast
