Creeping honeysuckle is a common term for aggressive, low-growing or vining honeysuckle species. While some honeysuckle species are native, the term often refers to invasive types, most notably Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), due to its widespread presence and rapid spread. These plants are frequently found in gardens, along roadsides, and within natural areas.
Identifying Creeping Honeysuckle
Japanese Honeysuckle, the most common invasive type, exhibits a vining and trailing growth habit, forming dense mats or climbing over other vegetation. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, typically oval to elliptical, and can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. Young leaves may also appear lobed.
The flowers are a reliable identification feature, appearing in fragrant, tubular pairs. They emerge white or creamy, transitioning to soft yellow, blooming from late spring through summer. Small, glossy black or dark blue berries develop after the flowers, ripening in late summer and often persisting into winter. Stems are woody, slender, and reddish-brown when young, later becoming hollow and light brown with a tendency to peel.
Understanding Its Ecological Impact
The aggressive growth of creeping honeysuckle, particularly Japanese Honeysuckle, poses a significant threat to native ecosystems. Its rapid spread creates dense blankets of foliage that smother native vegetation by blocking sunlight, leading to their decline.
The vine outcompetes native species for essential resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Japanese Honeysuckle’s semi-evergreen nature provides a longer growing season than many deciduous native plants, giving it an advantage. This aggressive competition alters forest structure, diminishes biodiversity, and negatively affects wildlife. The plant also spreads effectively through bird-dispersed seeds and vegetatively through runners that root where stems touch the ground.
Controlling Creeping Honeysuckle
Managing creeping honeysuckle requires persistent effort, with various methods depending on the infestation’s size. For smaller patches, manual removal by hand-pulling young plants or digging out established root systems can be successful. Remove as much of the root as possible to prevent resprouting.
Repeated cutting or mowing can suppress growth by depleting the plant’s energy reserves, but this method rarely eradicates the plant. Smothering or solarization involves covering the infested area with thick layers of mulch, cardboard, or black plastic to block sunlight. This approach typically requires the material to remain in place for one to two growing seasons.
For larger, established infestations, chemical control using herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr may be considered. Apply these products directly to cut stems or foliage, strictly following all label instructions for proper dosage, safety, and environmental considerations. Consulting local extension offices can provide specific guidance. Prevention is also important, including removing berries to reduce seed dispersal and consistently monitoring for new seedlings.
Groundcover Alternatives
Replacing invasive creeping honeysuckle with non-invasive alternatives maintains groundcover functions without negative ecological impacts. Choosing native plants is advantageous as they are adapted to local conditions and support regional wildlife, offering aesthetic and functional benefits while contributing positively to the local ecosystem.
Consider these groundcover options:
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), a native vine providing attractive flowers and berries for wildlife.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), for shady areas, offering distinctive heart-shaped leaves.
Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), providing evergreen foliage for shady areas.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), a low-growing perennial with vibrant spring flowers.
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica), a fine-textured, grass-like alternative suitable for various conditions.