Amur Honeysuckle (Bush Honeysuckle)
Lonicera maackii · Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acuminate (tapered) tip
Margin
Entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Opposite along the branching reddish stems
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and several pairs of arching secondary veins.
Key Features
Opposite, simple, elliptical leaves with tapered tips; smooth margins; reddish-brown arching stems; and hollow pith in older stems.
Description
Amur Honeysuckle is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that can reach heights of up to 15-20 feet. It features arching branches, fragrant white-to-pink tubular flowers in spring, and bright red berries that persist into winter. It leafs out very early in spring and retains its green leaves late into autumn, giving it a competitive advantage over native flora.
Habitat
Thrives in forest edges, old fields, roadsides, and disturbed woodlands. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moderate shade, though growth is most vigorous in full sun.
Native Range
Native to temperate Asia (China, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). Widely introduced and invasive across eastern and midwestern North America.