Tree Killers: Tatarian honeysuckle
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Name
- Common English name: Tatarian honeysuckle
- Other names:
- Latin (scientific) name: Lonicera tatarica
History in Canada
- introduced from Asia in the early 1800’s as ornamentals and still available from nurseries
- most abundant in southern Ontario but occurs east to Nova Scotia and west to Alberta
Biology
- a large, multi-stemmed shrub (to 5 m or 16 ft tall) that has pairs of egg-shaped leaves and fragrant white to dark pink flowers in spring
- reproduces mainly by seeds found in paired, colourful, fleshy berries that develop abundantly after flowering
- birds eat the berries and are responsible for much of the spread of Tartarian Honeysuckle since the seeds within the fruit pass through the bird without damage
- tolerates a wide range of upland habitats including forests and woodland edges
Impact on Trees
- often grow in dense stands that suppress native tree seedlings due to shade
- may release toxic compounds that inhibit other plants
What can be done to control this tree killer?
- cutting or girdling stems followed by herbicide application to the cut stems or later removal of sprouts that develop after cutting
- herbicide application to the entire shrub
- several years of control may be needed since seeds are unaffected by the above methods and seedlings can recolonize an area
- prescribed burning may also reduce populations in open areas
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