Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and other Asian bush-type honeysuckles are considered invasive species in Kansas.

The fragrance of honeysuckle flowers is refreshingly sweet — the sort that draws people as well as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Like fresh cut grass, clover and soil after a warm rain, it is a scent many gardeners associate with the beginning of summer. For other gardeners, though, the smell of honeysuckle represents an endless battle with an introduced invasive species.

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and other Asian bush-type honeysuckles are the bad guys. They were first planted in the U.S. in the 1800s, presumably for their flowers, fruit, hardiness and ability to limit erosion. The fruit, which provided food for wildlife, brought the first downside as they were consumed and passed intact. Over time, Asian bush honeysuckle was moved to many new locations through birds, mice, deer and other animals who ate the fruit as well as unknowing gardeners.

Today, Amur honeysuckle is a big problem in the eastern half of Kansas and much of the U.S. In areas where it has been introduced, it is taking over and out-competing native vegetation. Besides being a vigorous grower, Amur honeysuckle leafs out earlier than other plants and holds its leaves longer in the fall (sometimes through the winter), which allows it to shade out other understory plants. It also produces a chemical that inhibits germination of other plants in the vicinity.

Amur honeysuckle is identified by a simple leaf, distinctive flowers, round red to yellow berries and hollow stems. Leaves are ovate (oval on the stem end and pointed at the tip), and for every leaf there is one growing opposite it on the stem. Flowers are delicate white, tubular and appear throughout the summer. The plant is shrubby and grows to 20 feet in the right environment. Berries are produced at the bases of the leaves.

For gardeners who love honeysuckle, U.S. native honeysuckles are a safer option, although they should still be used with caution as none originated in Kansas. Coral vining honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervivens) is popular in the landscape industry, and its native range is much of the eastern and northeastern portions of the U.S. including Missouri. Coral honeysuckle produces tubular, fragrant flowers in reddish-orange and grows to a 10 to 20 foot long vine. Leaves are glossier and more blue-green than those of Amur honeysuckle although their growth habit and shape are similar.

There are native bush and vining honeysuckle species that occur in the far northeastern part of the U.S., but they may be more difficult to find. Before planting any honeysuckle, investigate its native range, growth habit and potential for spread.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.” Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.