honeysuckle
- To: a*@jps.net
- Subject: honeysuckle
- From: m* l*
- Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2000 17:43:06 GMT
There was a prolonged exchange on this list regarding the topic of
the weed potential of Lonicera j. in California a month or two ago.
As I recall, I had suggested it as a screening plant for a compost
pile to someone in San Diego who had posted a request for ideas.
A couple of others immediately fired back that this was a rampant and
invasive weed, that it should not be planted because of possible
escape into the wild, and was invasive in garden situations and so
difficult to control that other vines or shrubs would be preferable.
This has not been my experience.
I have had it growing in Sacramento for ten years or so and in that
time have seen only two or three seedling plants. I have a couple of plants
at 2500' in the foothills, but only a year or two old, so I can't tell you
much about performance in your specific situation.
It has been used to cover chain link fences at the University campus near
here and I have seen no evidence of escapes established in the nearby
riparian areas. It is not listed as a problem in Weeds of California
(Robbins et al) other than a passing mention as an occasional escape. It is
not mentioned on either the Cal Ag weed page or that of the California
exotic pest plant council web page.
It will survive, once established, with little or no summer irrigation
and will cover large areas of fence or bank, and will crowd out less
rugged plants in an irrigated situation unless controlled by pruning
on an annual basis. It can be planted with a root barrier ( I use
large old black poly nursery pots with the bottom cut off, buried to
the rim) if this is a concern in your situation. If escape into the
wild is your concern, there seems no factual basis for concern here
in California.
It is for me a valuable addition to the garden, with pretty much evergreen
foliage, extended flowering period, and outstanding fragrance.
Not everyone feels this way. Like so much in life, you pays your money and
you takes your chances.
Lonecera spp, japonica in particular are ubiquitous weeds in the eastern
and southeastern portions of the US, and are so well established there
that it is difficult to understand why anyone would spend money to buy
and plant one in those areas. I believe they are still sold there
nonetheless.
Yours most respectfully,
Michael Larmer
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