Lonicera xbella is an introduced species in Wisconsin and it has become invasive in our native communities. It has a very bushy growth form usually in the range of 5-8 feet tall, occasionally taller. The leaves are entire (smooth margins, no teeth) and opposite. The flowers are white or pink, sometimes becoming yellow with age, and the fruits are red or orange and numerous. Birds eat the fruits and appear to be a major means of spreading the seeds. The pith is hollow (as is the pith of our other alien shrub species of Lonicera).
Lucas Land
Showy Fly Honeysuckle
or
Showy Bush Honeysuckle
Lonicera ×bella Zabel [morrowii × tatarica]
Lonicera xbella will sprout back vigorously if the stems are cut off, so the stumps must either be pulled or treated with herbicide, such as glyphosate ("Roundup"), which can be applied directly to the cut stump to avoid harming desireable plants nearby. If the plants have reached reproductive age it may be necessary to remove numerous seedling plants in the area for several years.
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