Invasive Plants of Wisconsin

Lonicera morrowi A.Gray
Asian fly honeysuckle
Family: Caprifoliaceae
summer aspect leaves flowers leaves ovary and bracteoles
 

Lonicera morrowi is an introduced species in Wisconsin and it has become invasive in our native communities. It has a very bushy growth form usually in the range of 5-8 feet tall, occasionally taller. The leaves are entire (smooth margins, no teeth) and opposite. The flowers are white (turning yellow with age) and the fruits are red and numerous. Birds eat the fruits and appear to be a major means of spreading the seeds. The pith is brown with a hollow center (as is the pith of our other alien shrub species of Lonicera). In northeastern Wisconsin, L. morrowi is uncommon and most of the weedy shrub honeysuckles are L. xbella.

Lonicera morrowi will sprout back vigorously if the stems are cut off, so the stumps must either be pulled or treated with herbicide, such as glyphosate ("Roundup"), which can be applied directly to the cut stump to avoid harming desirable plants nearby. If the plants have reached reproductive age it may be necessary to remove numerous seedling plants in the area for several years..

 


known Wisconsin distribution

Acknowledgments

Contact the author