Replacing Invasive Honeysuckle with 8 Native Plants Boosts Local Pollinators
In the pursuit of a balanced and thriving home landscape, gardeners are increasingly turning to native plants as alternatives to invasive species. One such example is the case of honeysuckle, a popular garden shrub that has become a menace in many ecosystems.
The ninebark shrub, a native perennial, offers a delightful alternative. With its large flower clusters and highly ornamental foliage, it adds year-round interest to the home landscape. The 'Sweet Cherry Tea' variety can be found at Fast Growing Trees, while the 'Sugar Shack' and 'Magical Moonlight' varieties of buttonbush can be found on the platform Shop.
Another native option is the beautyberry, which grows to form a small shrub, reaching approximately 5 ft. (1.5 m.) in height, and produces attractive blooms followed by distinctive purple berries. The 'Early Amethyst' variety can be found on the platform Shop.
For those looking to add larger plant species to the landscape, fragrant sumac may be an excellent option. A 2-pack of 'Gro-Low' fragrant sumac is available from the Home Depot.
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), a native climbing honeysuckle, is recommended as an alternative to invasive honeysuckles. It attracts hummingbirds and supports local ecosystems without the ecological harm caused by invasive species.
Carolina jasmine is another native plant that produces an abundance of impressive yellow blooms and is best planted in flower beds where passersby can enjoy the plant's beauty and pleasing fragrance. It can be found for sale at the Home Depot.
Buttonbush, a native perennial, produces an abundance of white, globular flower heads and attracts large numbers of butterflies. It can also be found on the platform Shop.
The Purple Passionflower vine, a native passionflower vine with a unique hair-like flower structure, is not considered invasive.
Trumpet honeysuckle, a native species that produces vibrant tubular blooms, is not generally considered to be invasive. It requires a strong, sturdy trellis or arbor. The 'Major Wheeler' variety can be purchased from Burpee.
American Elderberry bushes are highly-adaptive native alternatives to honeysuckle and provide shelter and serve as an invaluable food source for both pollinators and small species of bird. American elderberry bare-roots can be purchased through The Arbor Day Foundation.
Invasive honeysuckles, such as Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) and Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), negatively impact ecosystems by aggressively outcompeting native plants, leading to reduced biodiversity and disrupted habitats for wildlife. They produce toxic berries harmful to humans and animals, and their proliferation can suppress native tree seedlings, altering forest composition and food webs. Furthermore, invasive honeysuckle negatively affects mycophilous beetle abundance and richness by impacting native fungal communities crucial for ecosystem health.
Invasive honeysuckle species, such as Japanese honeysuckle, grow quickly to form large, dense shrubs and outcompete other native species. They also attract mosquitoes with the cool shade and still air they create within the woods. Additionally, honeysuckle-invaded areas have five times the density of white-tailed deer compared to non-invaded woodland.
Hand-pulling seedlings and cutting and treating old bushes with chemicals is labor-intensive and must be done every year to keep invasive honeysuckle at bay.
By choosing native alternatives to invasive honeysuckles, gardeners can support local ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and create beautiful, thriving gardens.
The Purple Passionflower vine, a native passionflower vine, is not considered invasive and offers a unique hair-like flower structure, adding an interesting element to home-and-garden landscapes.
Trumpet honeysuckle, a native species of honeysuckle that produces vibrant tubular blooms, is a gardening option that attracts hummingbirds and supports local ecosystems without the ecological harm caused by invasive species.
