Identifying Morrow’s Honeysuckle
Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) is a deciduous woody shrub, typically 6 to 15 feet tall, forming a dense, rounded crown with arching branches. Mature bark is shaggy and light brown; younger twigs are often hairy and hollow.
The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stems, oval to oblong, and measure about 1 to 2.5 inches long. They have smooth margins, a slightly fuzzy texture (particularly on the undersides), and emerge early in spring, often before many native plants.
Fragrant, tubular flowers appear in late spring (April to June), developing in pairs from leaf axils. Blossoms are creamy white when they open, fading to pale yellow. Following the flowers, small, spherical berries form, ripening to bright red or orange-red in late summer and persisting into fall. These quarter-inch berries also appear in pairs.
The Impact of Morrow’s Honeysuckle
Morrow’s honeysuckle, introduced from East Asia in the late 1800s for ornamental planting and erosion control, is now a widespread invasive species across North America. Its aggressive growth and ability to thrive in various conditions allowed it to escape cultivation and spread rapidly. Birds consume its abundant berries, dispersing seeds widely and contributing to rapid colonization.
Once established, this plant forms dense thickets, outcompeting native vegetation for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. Its early spring leaf-out creates a heavy shade canopy, preventing native wildflowers and tree seedlings from growing. This suppresses native plant communities, substantially reducing biodiversity.
The altered understory structure negatively impacts wildlife. While birds consume the berries, their lower nutritional value compared to native fruits can harm migratory birds. Dense growth also reduces habitat quality for ground-nesting birds and other wildlife relying on native plant structures for shelter and foraging.
Effective Control and Removal Strategies
Controlling Morrow’s honeysuckle requires persistent effort and a combination of methods. Small seedlings can be effectively hand-pulled, especially when soil is moist for easier root extraction. For larger plants, manual removal is challenging due to extensive root systems and potential soil disturbance, which can bring up dormant seeds.
Mechanical control involves cutting larger shrub stems close to the ground. This method is most effective when done repeatedly, as cutting alone often results in vigorous re-sprouting. For more complete control, especially on larger plants, a cut-stump herbicide treatment is recommended.
This involves cutting the stem within inches of the ground and immediately applying a concentrated herbicide solution to the freshly cut surface. Glyphosate or triclopyr herbicides are effective for cut-stump applications. Apply within minutes of cutting for maximum absorption into the plant’s vascular system, preventing re-sprouting. This method can be performed year-round, but is most effective in late summer or fall when plants actively translocate resources to their roots.
Foliar spray applications are suitable for widespread infestations of smaller plants or new growth, especially when manual removal is impractical. This method involves spraying leaves directly with a diluted herbicide solution, ensuring thorough coverage for maximum absorption. Foliar applications are most effective during the growing season (late spring through early fall) when plants are actively photosynthesizing. Always follow product label instructions and safety precautions, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Proper disposal of removed plant material is important to prevent re-establishment. Small pieces of stems can root, and berries can sprout new plants. Bagging and disposing of plant material, especially those with berries, in municipal waste or burning where permitted can prevent further spread.
Prevention and Native Alternatives
After successful removal, ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent re-establishment from remaining seeds or new seeds brought by birds. Regular scouting, particularly for several years, allows for prompt hand-pulling of new seedlings. Establishing a healthy, diverse native plant community also helps suppress invasive species re-emergence.
Planting native alternatives restores ecological balance and provides valuable resources for local wildlife. Several native shrubs offer similar aesthetic qualities while supporting the local ecosystem. Consider serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), which provides early spring flowers and edible berries benefiting birds. Viburnums (e.g., arrowwood viburnum, Nannyberry viburnum) are excellent choices, offering attractive flowers, fall foliage, and berries. Native dogwoods (e.g., gray dogwood, red osier dogwood) also provide multi-season interest and food sources. These native plants are well-adapted to local conditions and contribute to a healthier, more resilient landscape.