Identify Bush Honeysuckle
- 6 to 20 feet tall, depending on species
- opposite leaves
- narrowly elliptical with green surface and pale green, slightly fuzzy underside
- thornless and hollow twigs 1-inch long fragrant paired tubular flowers with narrow petals; white flowers that later become yellowish
- pair of red berries near origin of leaves in fall
Control Bush Honeysuckle
There are several different methods of control for the bush honeysuckles. When the plant is small and the soil is moist try pulling. Be persistent and prepared to continuously treat the plant to finally eradicate it. Here are some eradication methods:
- hand pulling
Pulling is an option if the entire plant can be removed. This method should not be used in highly sensitive areas because it disturbs the soil and aids in the spread of other invasive species. - The cut-stump method
This involves cutting the bush off at the stump and applying a 20 percent glyphosate solution with a sprayer or brush to thoroughly cover the freshly cut area. - Foliar spray
Spray the leaves with a 2 percent solution of glyphosate and water plus a non-ionic surfactant, which improves the chemical’s ability to adhere to the plant.pray around the entire circumference of the stem. On multiple trunks spray between the stems as well. A small backpack sprayer can be used or a spray bottle works just fine and is easy to carry around. This method should be used in early spring or late fall before or after the leaves of native plants are present. - The basal-bark method
This method consists of spraying a mixture of 25 percent triclopyr and 75 percent horticultural oil to the bush’s stems to a height of 12 to 15 inches from the ground. Thorough wetting is necessary for good results.