How to Classify Honeysuckle
Depending on whom you ask, honeysuckle vines are either an ornamental vine with sweet smelling, trumpet shaped blooms or an invasive menace that is nearly impossible to get rid of. There are over 180 species of honeysuckle that grow as either vines or flowering shrubs. Honeysuckle varieties are found throughout the world from tropical to near-arctic climates. Whether you want to care for honeysuckle in your garden, or eliminate one that has taken over your flower beds, the first step is to identify what variety you have. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden shears
- Wet paper towel
- Plastic sandwich bag
- Internet access
- Telephone
- Telephone book
Instructions
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1
Examine your honeysuckle variety closely. Note characteristics such as the plant's overall shape and size, leaf shape, and the color and appearance of the flowers. Also determine if you have a shrub or vine style of honeysuckle.
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2
Take a cutting of the plant that you can use for reference. Place the end of the cutting into a plastic bag filled with a damp paper towel to help preserve the cutting.
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3
Consult Internet websites that deal specifically with varieties of honeysuckle. These websites will have photos that you can compare to your own cutting. Another helpful website is a gardening forum, where you can get the opinion of other gardeners who are familiar with varieties of honeysuckle.
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4
Call a local horticulturist, such as a County Cooperative Extension Service agent. Agents who staff Cooperative Extension Service offices are familiar with the varieties of plants that are native to their own specific area, and may be able to identify your variety of honeysuckle from a description.
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Consult a plant nursery that sells honeysuckle. Employees at these establishments are generally well-versed in the identification and care of honeysuckle varieties.
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