Got Nature? Blog

In early November, invasive bush honeysuckle is one of the only understory shrubs that are still green.

In early November, invasive bush honeysuckle is one of the only understory shrubs that are still green. While many of our native plants are dormant, Asian bush honeysuckle remains green longer. This makes them easy to locate since they are one of the few green shrubs in the woods. Doing control measures this time of year also reduces impacts to non-target plants.

How do you control it? That depends on what resources you have available. Small plants can be easily pulled by hand; be sure to hang them on tree branch rather than laying them down on the ground so they don’t re-root. In most cases, some method of herbicide control will be necessary. Ohio State University has a good guide on various methods of control, Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Bush Honeysuckle.

Not sure where to start on your property? One of the most daunting aspects of invasive plant control is where to begin. Ellen Jacquart, former Director of Stewardship for the Nature Conservancy in Indiana, wrote an article in the Indiana Woodland Steward. The Where do I Start?! Prioritizing Invasive Plant Control article describes how to plan your invasive plant control including prioritizing what to do first.

Resources:
Subscribe to the Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter
Consider Fall Eradication of Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Landscape Report
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension YouTube Video
A Woodland Moment: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Video
Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.: An Introduction to the Problematic Non-Native Species, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Report Invasive Species: Asian Bush Honeysuckle,
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan​, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University