Japanese honeysuckle - Lonicera japonica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Japanese honeysuckle

Also known as: Honeysuckle vine

Japanese honeysuckle (*Lonicera japonica*) is a twining vine native to East Asia. It features white-yellow flowers that emit a pleasant, sweet aroma and are often visited by pollinators such as honeybees, but some parts of the plant are toxic to humans. In landscaping, japanese honeysuckle is used as a groundcover because its dense, fast-growing nature helps prevent weeds and improve soil health.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

2 m to 9 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 6 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green, White, Yellow, Purple, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese honeysuckle

Distribution of Japanese honeysuckle

Distribution Map

Japanese honeysuckle is native to eastern Asia. Used as a garden ornamental, it has been naturalized widely in the United States, as well as in scattered countries around the globe. It can grow on floodplains, in loose woodland, and in grassland and scrub areas. It is considered seriously invasive in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Thickets in hills, mountains, Woods, lowlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has a lot to offer as an ornamental plant since this climbing vine produces long-blooming fragrant and showy flowers from late spring to fall. It is primarily used as an attractive groundcover or to decorate walls, fences, and trellises in coastal, cottage, and informal gardens. However, japanese honeysuckle is best grown alone or in small numbers when carefully controlled. The white flowers work well when combined with the brightness of roses.

Symbolism

The devotion of love

Interesting Facts

Honeysuckles usually blossom from spring to summer and the fragrance of the flower is very pleasant. Moreover, the honeysuckle has a very remarkable feature: in one flower has two stamens and like a couple the pair of stamens never separate from each other. So the honeysuckle expresses true love.

Name Story

Japanese honeysuckle: When its flowers are in full bloom, yellow and white flowers emanate a sweet vanilla aroma that adds a freshness ambience to the surrounding. These sweet nectars are actually an important food source for many animals. As this plant is also originated from Japan, it is called Japanese honeysuckle.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese honeysuckle, including the following common varieties :

Japanese honeysuckle 'Horwood Gem'Japanese honeysuckle 'Halliana'Japanese honeysuckle 'Hall's Prolific'Japanese honeysuckle 'Aureoreticulata'Japanese honeysuckle 'Purpurea'Japanese honeysuckle 'Dart's World'Japanese honeysuckle 'Mint Crisp'

Toxicity

Japanese honeysuckle is highly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested. Consumption of its fruits leads to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory failure in humans. Cats and dogs show physical distress after accidentally consuming fruits, leaves, or sap. Prompt veterinary care is crucial. Monitor pets closely for signs of poisoning.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

An East Asia native, japanese honeysuckle is naturalized in the Americas (South America only partially), Europe, and Australasia, where it is considered a pest species. It is also found in Africa, but rarely. Japanese honeysuckle is a highly aggressive, densely growing vine both below and above the ground. It can completely cover extensive ground areas or climb trees and structures with equal strength, and can quickly re-grow when cut back to the ground. The seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals.

Japanese honeysuckle smothers native vegetation and weakens or kills young trees, therefore it is a pest of natural habitats, cultivated forests, and orchards.

How to Control It

The best season to manage japanese honeysuckle is late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. It is crucial to remove or control the plant before it sets seed to prevent further dispersal.

Manual removal: Hand-pull young plants, ensuring that all roots are removed to prevent regrowth. Deep digging may be necessary to reach all the roots.
Mowing or cutting: Regularly mow or cut back the plant close to the ground to exhaust its energy reserves. Perform this action repeatedly throughout the growing season.
Groundcover competition: Plant aggressive native groundcovers to outcompete japanese honeysuckle by providing shade and monopolizing resources.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, about 4-6 inches, around the area to suppress new seedlings from developing.
Pruning: If cultivating japanese honeysuckle, keep it in check by pruning it back hard in late winter to maintain its size and prevent it from overtaking other plants.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Japanese honeysuckle

Tubular flowers transition from white to yellow, emitting a potent sweet fragrance (1-1.5 inches).

Opposite oval leaves (1.5-3 inches) with smooth texture and reticulate veins.

Berries start green, turning red, then dark blue-black, containing distinctive oval seeds with pronounced ridges.

Reddish stem with fuzzy texture in youth, aging to woody with peeling bark.

Slender trunk with peeling bark in long strips, lightly textured, reaching no more than 2 inches.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Japanese honeysuckle

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Japanese honeysuckle thrives in humid subtropical regions, requiring consistent moisture and well-hydrated soil. Water weekly for optimal growth. While moderately drought-tolerant once established, mulching helps retain soil moisture and decreases watering frequency, making it beneficial for its vigorous climbing habit.

Fertilize: Fertilize japanese honeysuckle with a balanced 10-10-10 formula every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer. Use half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly for container-grown japanese honeysuckle. Reduce feeding in fall and withhold in winter. Avoid contact with leaves to prevent burn, promoting healthier growth and blooms.

Pruning: Japanese honeysuckle thrives with regular pruning to curb its invasive growth. Best done in early spring, it involves cutting to healthy buds and removing weak stems. This practice enhances air circulation, promotes health, and prevents disease, using clean, sharp tools for optimal results.

Propagation: Japanese honeysuckle features sweetly fragrant flowers and vigorous growth. It propagates easily via semi-hardwood cuttings from new growth. Prep cuttings by removing bottom leaves and using rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining soil, maintaining consistent moisture for successful rooting and expansion in gardens.

Repotting: Japanese honeysuckle requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring healthy root systems and preventing waterlogging.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Japanese honeysuckle

Distribution of Japanese honeysuckle

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Japanese honeysuckle

Care Guide for Japanese honeysuckle

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases