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"Bush Honeysuckle"

Lonicera maackii

Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae)

Shrub or small tree
Leaves oppositely arranged on stem
Stem often hollow when older
White/yellow flowers in May/June
Numerous, prominent red fruit in autumn
Perennial plants that are highly invasive...is one of the most common invasive species in Kentucky
Native to Asia
Fruit are desirable to birds who then disseminate the seed
Seeds require stratification (cold treatment) before germinating in the spring
Plant is thought to produce allelochemicals that discourage other species
They also leaf out in the spring first, so outcompete other species for sunlight
Adaptable to a wide range of habitats, but typically seen in wooded understory because that is where birds perch
Plant is fire-resistant and insect resistant (although a European Aphid species attacks, our native Ladybugs eat the Aphids)
Roots and stems resprout easily, so will regrow after cutting
Herbicides can control, but have to be re-applied for 100% control
Japanese honeysuckle has similar leaves, flowers and fruit but is a twining vine