Connecticut Invasive Plants: Bush Honeysuckle

Toni Leland

Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) looks so pretty that it is hard to imagine that it is one of New England's most invasive species. As summer progresses, the fields and roadsides suddenly erupt with the beautiful yellow and white fragrant flowers that cover the long branches of this shrub.

 

Honeysuckles can grow to 12 feet tall and includes a number of varieties: Amur Honeysuckle, Morrow's Honeysuckle, Tatarian Honeysuckle, and Bell's Honeysuckle. These were all introduced into our landscape as ornamental plants and, apparently, they really like it here. They have been found in most environments, including wetlands.

 The plants begin to show foliage early in the spring and by summer have taken over wherever they are growing, including finding their way into our gardens. For seedlings and young plants, hand pull or cut to the ground. For mature shrubs with large bases, cut down and use a systemic herbicide on the stump. Always read and follow directions on any chemical label.

Connecticut On Watch for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

Toni Leland

Connecticut has been invaded by an exotic insect that presents a serious threat to our orchards, forests, vineyards, and nurseries. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is currently only identified in Fairfield County, but due to the danger posed by this insect, all of Connecticut is now quarantined by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Additionally, several towns in Fairfield County are now regulated.

This means that no materials from a regulated area may be moved to anywhere else in the state.

Authorities are asking anyone seeing this insect in any life stage report it at once to CAES. It is estimated that it could spread across the entire state within two years.

Spotted lanternfly has no natural predators and feeds on about 60 genera of trees and plants, with the possibility that approximately 47% of Connecticut's forest trees are potential targets for this pest, as well as fruit trees and grape vines.

For complete information on spotted lanternfly, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly