Groan. Yes, introduced in 1806, to Long Island, New York, as an ornamental, for erosion control, and for wildlife uses. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), native to east Asia, and some parts of China.
The flowers of this species of Honeysuckle provide food to deer, rabbits, hummingbirds and other animals. Its fruit, the berries pictured above, are quite popular with deer, small mammals, birds and other animals. Those animals in turn distribute the seeds, which have contributed to the plant becoming highly invasive.
Since it’s nearly Thanksgiving, I have to say that I’m thankful that Japanese Honeysuckle, if you have a small patch invading your garden, is easily removed. If you’ve got a larger problem with it, that’s another story.
