An assessment of nonnative bush honeysuckle in northern U.S. forests

Abstract

This publication is part of a series that provides an overview of the presence of invasive plant species monitored on an extensive systematic network of plots measured by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station (NRS). Each research note features one of the invasive plants monitored on forested plots by NRS FIA in the 24 states of the midwestern and northeastern United States. Nonnative bush honeysuckles (Lonicera species) are native to Eurasia and were introduced in the 1700s (Czarapata 2005, Rich 2000). These vigorous, woody shrubs are found throughout the United States and were promoted for ornamental use, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. Due to their widespread planting and vigorous spread, nonnative bush honeysuckles have become problematic in urban areas, abandoned fields, and forest land.

Citation

Kurtz, Cassandra M.; Hansen, Mark H. 2015. An assessment of nonnative bush honeysuckle in northern U.S. forests. Res. Note NRS-203. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 5 p.