Japanese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
▲▼ new growth emerging in spring
▲▼ sometimes new growth has lobed, oak-like leaves
▲▼ semi-evergreen twining vines in autumn
▲▼ summer growth and flowering
▲▼ flowers
▲flowers and small, black berries (fruit)
Wild Honeysuckle, Japanese Honeysuckle: (Not in Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 332-333, Weeds of the Northeast)
Lonicera japonica: Japanese Honeysuckle, Wild Honeysuckle
Locations on/near campus: the 'Halliana' cultivar is growing on the southwest corner of Kings and Grand; the wild form is growing in the hedgerows south of the alley that runs behind the houses on Loren St.
· semi-evergreen to evergreen, opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with entire margins 1.25-3.25" long
· leaves pubescent on both sides when young, top side becoming glabrous with age
· stem reddish brown to light brown with soft pubescence when young; has excavated or hollow pith
· climbs by twining around other objects and itself
· has creeping roots
· has very fragrant white flowers which turn yellow with age
· used as a groundcover, but has escaped cultivation and can become a serious weed pest
· grows well in full sun to part shade, not particular on soil types
· fast rate of growth
· when grown as a ground cover, grows 18-24" tall; vine can reach 15-30' long
· ‘Halliana,’ Hall’s Honeysuckle is common cultivar used in landscaping, with more purple stems and leaf undersides