Japanese honeysuckle is an exotic weed in Illinois. The Illinois Exotic Weed Act prohibits the sale or distribution of this plant in Illinois. This vine has many methods of spreading. Its seeds can be dispersed by animals, and stems can spread over the soil, rooting at nodes. Japanese honeysuckle also spreads by above-ground runners, known as stolons, and underground rhizomes. It commonly grows in woodlands, fields, and disturbed sites. It was introduced from East Asia as an ornamental vine, but today is found across most of the United States.
Japanese 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. As a vine, Japanese honeysuckle has the ability to climb and wrap around other plants, restricting their access to light above ground and nutrients below ground. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this plant is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.
An alternative to this invasive species is Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana), a native species of clematis that produces masses of small, white, fragrant flowers in late summer. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of Japanese 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.
- Family (English) Honeysuckle
- Family (botanic) Caprifoliaceae
- Tree or plant type Ground cover, Vine
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Low-growing plant (under 6 inches), Large plant (more than 24 inches)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White, Yellow
- Shape or form Vining
- Growth rate Fast
