Morrow's Honeysuckle

Morrow’s Honeysuckle

Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) is a shrub native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It was brought to the U.S. to be used as an ornamental plant, erosion control, and to provide food and shelter for wildlife. It has oblong leaves that are hairy on the underside with white or cream-colored tubular flowers. Birds and other animals will eat the seeds dispersing them over long distances. Morrow’s honeysuckle can grow in many different soil types and quickly develop complex root systems. It’s one of the first plants to leaf out in the spring and one of the last plants to drop its leaves in the fall. It can outcompete native plants, creating monocultures and suppressing understory plant diversity.

Keys To Success

Hand pulling seedlings and small plants, especially after it rains, is effective at managing Morrow’s honeysuckle. For larger specimens, cutting the plant down and applying herbicides directly to the stumps is effective. When there is a monoculture, a blanket application of systemic herbicides like glyphosate and triclopyr are appropriate. Monitor for regrowth and reapply herbicide when needed, within the confines of the herbicide label.