AlterNATIVE

AlterNATIVE

We Take A Look At An AlterNATIVE to the Japanese Honeysuckle

Close Up of Japanese Honeysuckle

Invasive Plant

Lonicera Japonica, Japanese Honeysuckle

• Invasive throughout the eastern U.S. and west to Wisconsin and Texas.

• Rapidly invades forests and wetlands as well as roadsides and other disturbed areas.

• A native of China, Japan and Korea, this fast-growing vine quickly displaces native habitat by twining around, covering and smothering small trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Dense tangles shade out and prevent germination and growth of other species. Birds eat fruits and disperse seeds to other areas.

AlterNATIVE Choice

Lonicera Sempervirens, Coral Honeysuckle

Benefits

Showy and ornamental, this twining, evergreen native vine has attractive foliage, pinkish red, trumpet-shaped flowers and bright red berries. Some varieties may have coralcolored flowers. Flowers bloom from spring into summer and, in zones 9-10, may bloom off and on throughout the year. While not at all aggressive, coral honeysuckle will colonize and reproduce for years. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bumblebees. Fairly drought tolerant.

Design

Coral honeysuckle is readily used for fences, arbors, trellises and other structures, and has been used extensively as a low-maintenance groundcover for roadside medians. Train this slender climber to present a robust shrubby appearance.

Coral Honeysuckle Vine

Native from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Texas, coral honeysuckle can be used from zones 4-11. It naturally occurs in open woodlands and prefers full sun to part shade in well-drained, moderately dry fertile soils that are acidic to slightly alkaline.

Coral Honeysuckle Up Close

Consult local native plant resources for best selection and use information in your area.

Native Plant Horticulture Foundation

www.nativeplanthort.org