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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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