Japanese Honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a species of honeysuckle native to East Asia, including many parts of China.

Annual Growth Rate: 25-30 ft.

Location (Throughout Park):

• Forest
• Dense mats in fields
• Boulders
• Fences

Impact:

• Dense mats destroy native ground plant species.
• Vines cut off nutrient flow in trees.

Management:

Park biologists are monitoring existing locations and are addressing new growth areas as they are detected. The park manages Japanese Honeysuckle by cutting vines. This can temporarily save trees and native shrubs from being girdled or shaded out. While fields are managed through repeated mowing and the application of herbicides.

Management:
Gettysburg National Military Park is monitoring existing locations and is addressing new growth areas as they are detected. There is a potential for volunteer support in identifying and removing this species.

What Can You Do?

As a devoted visitor to Gettysburg National Military Park, you can see the direct impact the Japanese Honeysuckle is having on your park. During the warm weather months, we host a series of Volunteer Work Days. Sign up for one or all of these to lend a hand! You have the opportunity to aid our staff to combat this invading species and perhaps slow or halt their march across our fields, our hills, our stone walls, our fences, or even around our monuments. Volunteers are assisting park staff by cutting and removing vines.