Honeysuckle Trees
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a fragrant vine that can be pruned to form a shrub or small tree. This plant produces a sweet nectar loved by humans and animals alike. Honeysuckle plants spread rapidly, including erosion control, bank stabilization and as a source of food for local wildlife. Does this Spark an idea?
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About
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Honeysuckle is a native plant to Asia and was introduced to the U.S. in 1906. It is commonly planted in residential and commercial landscapes for its ornamental value. Honeysuckle is considered and invasive plant and can spread rapidly if left unattended, damaging the health of nearby plants. To grow honeysuckle as a small tree, regular pruning is required.
Foliage
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Honeysuckle trees feature thin, woody branches that sometimes appear hairy. Each stem is capable of growing 80 to 120 feet long. These branches are covered in evergreen leaves that are oval and grow in pairs. These leaves grow on opposite sides of the stem and measure about 3 inches long.
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Flowers
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Honeysuckle trees produce a plethora of flowers that bloom white and mature to become yellow. Honeysuckle flowers appear in pairs and contain seeds that aid in the propagation of the plant. Each flower measures 1 1/2 inches long and emits a strong fragrance that attracts ruby-throated hummingbirds, bees and a varieties of other insects that enjoy feeding on the plant's nectar.
Fruit
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After the flowers have bloomed, the honeysuckle tree produces small, black berries that serve as food to many types of birds, including the American goldfinch and Eastern bluebird.
Care
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Monitor honeysuckle closely and remove any unwanted growth through hand pulling, grubbing and shoveling. Prevent seedlings from shooting up by surrounding the honeysuckle plant with proper groundcover. Before planting honeysuckle in a residential setting, gardeners should have proper education about honeysuckle care.
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References
- Photo Credit Honeysuckle image by StylezInk from Fotolia.com
