photo: Cleveland Metroparks

Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)

Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Metroparks

Form:

Dense, multi-stemmed shrubs, 6-12' tall. Older stems may have shaggy, peeling bark and are often hollow between the nodes

Leaves:

Opposite, oval or oblong, and entire. Leaves may be hairless to downy and green or blue-green.

Flowers:

Fragrant, tubular, and arranged in pairs at leaf axils. Reddish pink or white, turning yellow with age. Bloom mid- to late spring.

Fruits & Seeds:

Red, orange or yellow, in pairs at leaf axils, and containing many seeds.

Roots:

Fibrous and shallow.

Similar Species:

Native Lonicera shrubs have shorter, sparser growth forms and white pith in stems. Native Diervilla species have yellow flowers and grow in dry or rocky sites. Native species develop leaves 1-2 weeks later, drop them earlier in the fall and often have solid stems.

Tier 4 - Widespread and Abundant

These are known problem species throughout Cleveland Metroparks and are currently under active management. Management plans are set using population extent and site-specific information.

Action: These plants should be recored as present or absent. These species are known to be widespread and abundant throughout Cleveland Metroparks.

Distribution Map