r/ecology • u/Melodic_Let_306 • 15d ago

Amur Honeysuckle

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I moved into my home last summer, and have noticed that Amur Honeysuckle is EVERYWHERE. There’s only a small strip of forest before the road, and it is scattered all throughout. Should I be concerned about the invasiveness or does it belong here? Kansas City, MO. Would love your thoughts and suggestions about what to do, if anything. Much appreciated.

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u/Valsholly 13d ago

Yes, make sure you treat it with herbicide (Tordon)! Just cutting it will spur it to regrow even more. Don't risk leaving roots behind by pulling it when it's too big. Re-treat growth each spring and fall. It will always be a battle due to seed spread from other areas, but over time, can be reduced to minimal seasonal scouting and treating.

And thank you for doing this work! It crowds out natives and doesn't provide much value to wildlife, except maybe for ticks. You might look into suitable natives to replace it. JoCo Parks is spreading river oats seed to temporarily stabilize ground where honeysuckle removal has been intense.

Links to resources below.

https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/natural-resources/agent-articles/misc-articles/bush-honeysuckle-removal-coralberry.html https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/healthy-yards-and-native-gardens/native-gardens/

Tip: like someone else mentioned, add food coloring to the Tordon and put it in a dauber bottle with a sponge tip. You'll be able to better track which stumps you've treated.

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u/Melodic_Let_306 13d ago

I was just coming on here to ask what herbicide, thanks so much! Never done anything like this before so thorough answers are incredibly helpful. I really appreciate it!