As the local government elections will be held on 26 October 2024, Yarra Ranges Council will assume a caretaker role from Tuesday 17 September 2024. During the caretaker period, there will be limited changes made to the content on Council's websites. Information will only be added to this website in accordance with caretaker requirements.
Lonicera japonica
Origin: East Asia Size: 10m high spreading widely Best removal time: August—January Flowers: September—February Fruits: November—March
This creeper is highly invasive and aggressive. It suckers and can form large mats on the ground and large masses in the canopy of trees. It smothers trees and shrubs and can restrict sap flow in the soft barked plants it grows around. It can also cause premature deterioration of fences and buildings.
Stems tend to be purplish and hairy when young, becoming woody with flaky bark on mature stems. Leaves are bright green and hairless except for hugging hairs along veins and margins. The white/cream coloured flowers are in pairs near the branch tips. Flowers have a strong, sweet scent. The fruit is a shiny black berry. Leaves and berries are toxic.
Hand removal is the best option as this method reduces site disturbance and allows more specific selection of species as opposed to spraying. Ensure that as much of the root system is removed to reduce the amount of regrowth.
Cut the vines off at ground level and again about a metre high. Immediately paint both ends of the stem with an undiluted glyphosate-based product. This is useful for larger plants which cannot be easily hand pulled.
Many plant alternatives exist that are indigenous to the Yarra Ranges region and would make great substitutes for this weed species. Some alternatives include:
Non chemical treatments is often the most effective and safe option especially on smaller scale infestations.
Where chemical use is undertaken:
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