Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera japonica

Common Names: Japanese honeysuckle

Plant Form: Woody climber or scrambler. Size: Up to 10 m high when climbing. Stem: Young stems purplish and densely hairy, older stems brown and hairless. Leaves: Dark green upper and paler below, 3-8 cm long, oval shaped, in opposite pairs on stems, with smooth edges and sometimes deeply lobed when young. Flowers: Tubular, white to pink, turning yellow or orange with age, in pairs at leaf bases, very fragrant. Fruit and Seeds: Oval shaped, shiny black berries. Habitat: Forests, woodlands, along streams, heathlands, disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features: Unlikely to be confused when in flower. Impacts: Smothers and outcompetes native species, toxic.