Pronunciation: loh-NIS-er-a MAK-ee-eye
Look for long-pointed opposite leaves and paired flowers nestled close to the twig. This large, spreading shrub is an invasive plant of woodland edges and other disturbed habitats.
Paired flowers held close to the twig, with long-pointed opposite leaves.
Family Caprifoliaceae · honeysuckle family
Genus Lonicera
Growth Deciduous woody shrub
Height 10–15 feet
Bloom May–June in the Midwest
Habitat Woodland edges, thickets and disturbed ground
Status Non-native and invasive in the Midwest
Observation maps show reported sightings, including planted or escaped populations. They do not define the native range.
Leaf tips: oval to elongated leaves taper abruptly into a long, narrow point. The edges are untoothed, and leaves occur in opposite pairs.
Follow the stalk: flower pairs sit on very short shared stalks, usually under 5 mm. This is especially useful alongside the pointed leaves.
Flowers and fruit: tubular white flowers age yellow; some show pink tints. Round red to dark reddish fruits cluster tightly at leaf axils.
Look along woodland margins, trails, fence lines and brushy openings. Mature shrubs develop arching branches and can form a dense understory.
In the Midwest, flowers are usually visible in May and June. Fruit is most noticeable later in the growing season and may persist after surrounding vegetation has faded.
Native to eastern Asia, from the Russian Far East through China to Japan. Introduced across much of the eastern and central United States, including Wisconsin and Illinois.
Sightings maps include reported occurrences and do not define the native range.
Compare several clues together: growth form, leaf tips, hairs and flower stalks. Flower color alone does not separate the bush honeysuckles.
Lonicera tatarica
Typically hairless young twigs, leaf undersides and outer flower surfaces, with longer flower stalks. Flowers may be pink or white.
Lonicera morrowii
Hairy leaf undersides, young twigs and outer flower surfaces. White flowers age to yellow.
Lonicera × bella
A variable Morrow’s × Tatarian hybrid. Pink flowers with hairy foliage suggest checking for this hybrid, but are not conclusive. White flowers do not exclude it. Photo identification is tentative.
Lonicera dioica
A native vine with upper leaf pairs joined around the stem and terminal clusters of tubular flowers.
Birds eat the fruit and carry seeds to new sites. Early spring leaf growth and prolonged autumn foliage help this shrub shade native wildflowers and seedlings.
Although wildlife uses its berries, its dense stands can reduce native plant diversity. It is not recommended for planting. Consult local invasive-plant guidance for management.
Maackii honors naturalist Richard Maack. Other common names include late honeysuckle and bush honeysuckle. The broad name “bush honeysuckle” also applies to unrelated-looking native Diervilla, so use the scientific name when identifying records.
Explore more species in the guide, then practice recognizing wildflowers in the quiz.
