Amur Honeysuckle: A Beautiful but Problematic Plant You Should Avoid
If you’ve been tempted by the sweet-smelling white flowers and bright red berries of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), you’re not alone. This shrub has fooled many gardeners with its attractive appearance and easy-growing nature. But before you add it to your shopping cart, there’s something crucial you need to know: this seemingly innocent plant is actually an aggressive invader that’s wreaking havoc on native ecosystems across North America.
What Is Amur Honeysuckle?
Amur honeysuckle is a perennial shrub that typically grows 13-16 feet tall, though it can sometimes reach smaller heights of around 9 feet at maturity. Originally from northeast Asia, this multi-stemmed woody plant has been widely introduced across the United States and parts of Canada, where it has become a serious ecological problem.
The shrub produces fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by conspicuous red berries in summer and fall. Its dense green foliage turns somewhat conspicuous in autumn, and the plant maintains a semi-erect, multiple-stem growth form with a moderate growth rate.
Where You’ll Find It (Unfortunately)
Amur honeysuckle has spread like wildfire across much of North America. You can currently find it growing wild in Arkansas, Ontario, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The Invasive Problem: Why This Plant Is Trouble
Here’s where things get serious. Amur honeysuckle isn’t just a harmless garden escapee—it’s officially classified as invasive in multiple states:
- Alabama: Category 2 invasive species
- Connecticut: Invasive, Prohibited
- Delaware: Invasive
- Maryland: Tier 1 invasive
- Missouri: Invasive (DOC, IPC)
- New Hampshire: Prohibited
- North Carolina: Invasive
- Wisconsin: Prohibited/Restricted
This plant reproduces spontaneously in the wild without any human help and tends to persist once established. Its moderate seed spread rate and medium fruit abundance mean it can quickly colonize new areas, crowding out native plants that local wildlife depends on.
Growing Conditions (Just So You Know What to Watch For)
Part of what makes Amur honeysuckle so problematic is how adaptable it is. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and tolerates a wide range of conditions:
- Soil: Adapts to coarse, medium, and fine-textured soils
- pH: Grows in soil ranging from 5.5 to 8.0
- Moisture: Medium water needs with low drought tolerance
- Sun exposure: Shade intolerant (prefers sunny locations)
- Temperature: Hardy to -33°F
The plant requires at least 100 frost-free days and 25-60 inches of annual precipitation. It has a deep root system (minimum 16 inches) and can resprout if cut back, making it particularly difficult to control once established.
Why You Shouldn’t Plant It
Despite its ornamental appeal, there are compelling reasons to skip Amur honeysuckle:
- It displaces native plants that provide better food and habitat for local wildlife
- Many states have banned or restricted its sale and planting
- It can escape cultivation and invade natural areas
- Once established, it’s extremely difficult to remove
- Better native alternatives exist for every garden need
Native Alternatives to Consider Instead
The good news? There are plenty of beautiful native shrubs that can give you the aesthetic appeal you’re looking for without the ecological headaches:
- Native honeysuckles like American fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) or limber honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica)
- Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) for white flowers and dark berries
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) for spring flowers and bird-friendly berries
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) for shade tolerance and wildlife value
- Native viburnums for similar flower clusters and fall interest
What to Do If You Already Have It
If Amur honeysuckle has already taken up residence in your landscape, the responsible thing to do is remove it. This can be challenging due to its resprouting ability and established root system, but it’s worth the effort to protect your local ecosystem. Consider consulting with a local extension office or invasive species management group for the best removal strategies in your area.
The Bottom Line
While Amur honeysuckle might seem like an attractive, low-maintenance shrub option, its invasive nature makes it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. By choosing native alternatives instead, you’ll create a more resilient landscape that supports local wildlife while still enjoying beautiful flowers, berries, and foliage. Your local ecosystem will thank you!
