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Weed of the Month - Japanese Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Family Caprifoliaceae)
Originating from Japan and Asia, Japanese honeysuckle is a vigorous, twining vine. With its fragrant cream and orange flowers and long flowering period, it is often used as a garden vine. The shiny black berries are attractive to birds, which spread the species into woodlands, creek banks and  roadsides. It can form large groundcover monocultures, smothering smaller species and climbing over taller native shrubs and small trees.

Vectors: Garden waste not properly disposed of is a major cause of new infestations.
Physical control: Removal of whole plant is best.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered. Cut, scrape and paint the
main stems and spray any regrowth.
Education: Educating gardeners to use alternate species and not to put pruning in with garden waste