Tatarian honeysuckle is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub, growing to 10 feet tall. It can be easily confused with similar species like Bell’s, Morrow’s or Amur honeysuckles, all distinguished by slight differences in flower color and leaf pubescence. Leaves are opposite, oval, smooth, 1.5- 2.5 inches long, and blue-green. Leaves may be hairless or downy. Leaf-out is slightly earlier in spring than native species and leaf-drop is slightly later in the fall.
Flowers are tubular, paired, borne along the stem at leaf axils, and usually pink to red, rarely white. Bloom time is May to June.
Fruits are paired, spherical, red to orange berries, each containing several seeds.
The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Mature stems are hollow. Bark is light gray, and shaggy or peeling. Young stems are slightly hairy and light brown.
Habitat: Tatarian honeysuckle invades and thrives in woodlands, roadsides, mature and disturbed forests, fence rows, meadows, old fields, and pastures. It can grow in full sun to shade, and moist to dry, gravelly, or sandy soils.
Means of spread and distribution: Tatarian honeysuckle reproduces asexually by root suckering and layering. The main method of spread to new sites is through seed dispersal by birds. Tatarian honeysuckle produces abundant seeds which are vectored by birds and mammals.
Impact: High densities of honeysuckles can suppress native plant and timber regeneration and form monocultures. Ecosystem richness and density of tree seedlings are substantially reduced in honeysuckle infestations. This species can alter a habitat’s microclimate, by creating dense shade, depleting soil moisture and nutrients, and possibly releasing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit growth of other plants. It can be especially harmful to spring ephemerals, due to its early leafing.
Prevention and management: Once established, Tatarian honeysuckle is difficult to control. For all management options, infestation sites will need to be monitored and treated repeatedly for 3- 5 years until the seedbanks and suckers are depleted.
Photo Credit: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database; USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Honeysuckle, Tartarian - Bundle of 25
There will be no return or refunds once your plants have been picked up. These arrive bare root in bundles from the nursery, minimal die off is to be expected.
No plants will be shipped. All plants will need to be picked up at 334 North 9th Street Columbus MT sometime in May. Once we have a delivery date from the nursery you will be notified of your pickup date. The SCD can not store plants or be responsible for extended care.