Lonicera xylosteum, Dwarf Honeysuckle


Invasive Species: Lonicera xylosteum, Dwarf Honeysuckle

Dwarf honeysuckle is a perennial shrub that can grow 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 to 3 m) tall. Leaves are opposite, elliptical, deciduous, and 1 to 2.5 in. (2.5 to 6.4 cm) long. Flowering occurs in May, when white flowers develop in pairs in the axils of the leaves. Fruits (when produced) are dark red berries that are eaten and spread by birds. Dwarf honeysuckle is native to Europe and occurs in poor, well-drained soils in full sun.

What are invasive species, and why should we be concerned about them? 


Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species

Dipsacales > Caprifoliaceae > Lonicera xylosteum L.

Synonym(s): European fly honeysuckle

Lonicera xylosteum – USDA PLANTS Profile

Distribution Maps

dwarf honeysuckle – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)

Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important 

Reporting This Invasive Species

What is the best way to report the occurrence of an invasive species? 

 How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System

EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.

County Extension Offices – Find your county Extension office on this map provided by USDA.

How to Identify

This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.

Shrub

Dwarf honeysuckle is a perennial shrub that can grow 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 to 3 m) tall.

Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org

Foliage

Leaves are opposite, elliptical, deciduous, and 1 to 2.5 in. (2.5 to 6.4 cm) long.

Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org

Flower

Flowering occurs in May, when white flowers develop in pairs in the axils of the leaves.

Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org

Fruit

Fruits (when produced) are dark red berries that are eaten and spread by birds.

Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft.,   bugwood.org Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut,  bugwood.org

Native Bush Honeysuckle Species Can Resemble Dwarf Honeysuckle

 

Lonicera albiflora, western white honeysuckle – Images at Invasive.org

Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, bugwood.org Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, bugwood.org

 

– Images at invasive.org

   
bugwood.org bugwood.org

 

Additional Images for Dwarf Honeysuckle

dwarf honeysuckle – Images at invasive.org

 

Learning Resources for Dwarf Honeysuckle

 

Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources

Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.

United States Land-Grant University System – Find your Land-Grant University’s College of Agriculture, University Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.

Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas – National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Invasive Plant Atlas of New England – University of Connecticut

A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests – USDA Forest Service

A Management Guide for Invasive Plants of Southern Forests – USDA Forest Service