Morrow’s 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 by suckers, as well as seeds, often dispersed by the animals that consume them. 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. Research has indicated that the shrub may also have the ability to modify the soil (known as allelopathic properties), making it more difficult for nearby plants to survive. It prefers wet areas, commonly growing in forests, woods, floodplains, and disturbed sites. It was introduced from Asia as an ornamental, and today is found in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States, as well as a few states in the South and West regions.
Morrow’s 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, sweet mock-orange (Philadelphus coronarius) is a good option. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of Morrow’s 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 Shrub
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
