Invasive Plant Factsheet
Japanese Honeysuckle, a species native to eastern Asia, is a perennial vine that climbs by twisting its stems around vertical structures. First introduced to this country in the early 1800s and enjoyed for its fragrant flowers and nectar, this ubiquitous invader now threatens forests and wetlands throughout the eastern half of the United States. Both Arlington County and Alexandria list it as invasive.
Native Alternatives
Replacement vines (most fragrant):
- Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)
- Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s-bower)
- Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine)
- Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)
Replacement shrubs and trees for fragrance:
- Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-shrub)
- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
- Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)
- Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
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Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
