Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
Lonicera maackii, Amur honeysuckle, is a vigorous deciduous shrub known for fragrant white-to-yellow flowers and red berries. Hardy in zones 3-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lonicera maackii, commonly known as Amur honeysuckle, is a densely branched deciduous shrub that historically offered rich aesthetic value, notably through its highly fragrant summer blooms. Native to Eastern Asia, this plant was introduced to the U.S. in 1855 and quickly naturalized far beyond its intended ornamental use. While once utilized for hedges and ornamentals, its aggressive nature now defines its profile in many regions.
This vigorous species typically matures between 10 and 15 feet tall and wide. The foliage is dark green and ovate, providing a dense screen throughout the growing season. Summer brings masses of tubular, two-lipped flowers that start white and age to yellow, followed by bright red berries enjoyed by birds.
Due to its ability to rapidly form dense understory colonies that suppress native flora, Lonicera maackii is considered a serious invasive concern across much of the eastern United States. Gardeners should exercise extreme caution, as this plant has restrictions in several states.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: Eastern Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-15 ft
- Spread: 10-15 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: White aging to yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The soil requirements for Lonicera maackii are quite adaptable; it thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While full sun promotes the best growth, this shrub tolerates considerable shade, making it effective in woodland border areas where light is limited. In general, organically rich loams with good drainage offer the ideal foundation for establishment.
Watering needs are medium once established; ensure consistent moisture during dry spells, particularly when young. Maintenance is relatively low, though understanding its aggressive nature is key. Pruning is often required not for health, but for containment where management is necessary.
A crucial consideration for any grower aware of the reputation of Lonicera maackii is its ease of spread. It spreads aggressively by self-seeding, leading to dense thickets that eliminate native vegetation. Gardeners must be aware that this species is banned or prohibited in several states.
Landscape Uses
Historically, the suggested use for Amur honeysuckle was to naturalize areas due to its rapid spreading habit and tolerance for various conditions. It was previously valued as an erosion control shrub, a dense hedge, and a wildlife cover plant. The bright red berries provided late-season interest and food for birds.
However, because of the profound invasiveness issues associated with Lonicera maackii, it is strongly discouraged for contemporary landscape planting. Where it is already established, management often focuses on removal rather than integration into formal landscape designs. If planting near woodland edges, constant vigilance is required to prevent escape into wilder areas.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lonicera maackii, commonly called Amur honeysuckle or bush honeysuckle, is native to Manchuria, Japan, Korea and China. It features tapered, ovate to lanceolate, medium to dark green leaves and very fragrant summer white flowers that age to yellow. Flowers give way to juicy, dark red berries which are inedible to humans but loved by birds who help spread the seed.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The invasive nature of this plant is a serious problem in many urban and rural areas of the U. S. Control measures include a range of options from digging out plants in sparsely infested areas to prescribed burning or application of chemicals such as glyphosate in heavily infested areas. Given its classification as environmentally damaging, removal is often the primary management goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Amur honeysuckle suitable for?
Lonicera maackii is generally suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Amur honeysuckle grow?
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 10 and 15 feet, with a corresponding spread of 10 to 15 feet.
What sun exposure does Lonicera maackii need?
Lonicera maackii performs best in locations receiving full sun to part shade conditions.
When does Amur honeysuckle bloom?
The fragrant, showy flowers of Amur honeysuckle bloom in the late spring to early summer, specifically from May to June, starting white and aging to yellow.
Conclusion
Despite its history of use due to fragrant blooms and rugged tolerance, the aggressive, invasive nature of Lonicera maackii necessitates that gardeners avoid planting it today. If you have previously planted Amur honeysuckle, focus your efforts on responsible monitoring and removal plans suitable for your local regulations. Always check local guidelines before undertaking any habitat management involving non-native species.
Companion Planting Considerations
Since Lonicera maackii aggressively outcompetes native species, true “companion planting” in the traditional sense—where plants mutually benefit—is not recommended. Instead, focus on planting strong, native substitutes in the same zones (3-8) that offer similar structure or screening without the invasive threat. Look to native shrub species that fill similar vacant or disturbed areas, such as native viburnums or serviceberries, to reclaim habitat space lost to Amur honeysuckle.
Wildlife and Bird Value Reassessment
The bright red berries of Lonicera maackii are highly attractive to many bird species, supporting general wildlife cover due to the dense structure of the shrub. However, the nutritional value of these non-native berries is often lower than fruits produced by native flora. Therefore, relying on Amur honeysuckle for wildlife support is often inadequate when compared to native understory plants. For sustainable local ecosystems, prioritizing native shrubs ensures the best food source diversity for native fauna.
