MinervaFlora February Update

REPLACING INVASIVE PLANTS WITH NATIVE PLANTS - Honeysuckle

Invasive plants are non-native species that outcompete our native plants for resources (light, water, nutrients) and alter the biodiversity found in our natural lands, often by taking over our native plants. By removing invasives and non-natives (at least a percentage of the latter) and replacing with native plants, our landscapes can better support these important efforts in our environment.

This month, we will discuss Honeysuckle. There are 5 types of invasive bush honeysuckle in Ohio:

-Amur (Lonicera maackii) - arching branches, pointed leaf tips

-Morrow’s (Lonicera morrowi) - leaves with hairy undersides

-Tatarian (Lonicera tatarica) - leaves with smooth undersides

-Bella (Lonicera x Bella) - hybrid of Morrow’s and Tatarian, difficult to distinguish

-Japanese (Lonicera japonica) - twining vine that smothers other plants

These plants outcompete the natives for sunlight, release chemicals into the soil that inhibit other plant’s growth, the berries lack nutrients for wildlife, they create monocultures useless to wildlife, and have shallow roots that destabilize slope soil.

To control honeysuckle, remove small plants by hand. For larger plants, cut near ground and immediately apply glyphosate or appropriate herbicide to the stump; best done in fall and spring.

Native shrub alternatives to honeysuckles:

-Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) - fast growing, great for screening, edible berries

-Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) - fragrant, attracts birds and butterfly larva, good for wet areas

-Viburnum (Maple leaf, Blackhawk, Arrowwood - berries and great fall color

-Gray (Cronus racemosa) or Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - provide winter interest and berries

-Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) - attractive foliage and flowers

-Chokeberry (Aronia spp) - berries

-Inkberry (Ilex glabra) - native holly for evergreen screening

Vine alternatives:

-Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) red/orange flowers

-Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) 

Tree alternatives:

-Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

-Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

-Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Fun fact:  Viburnum and Dogwood both are hosts to more than 100 butterflies and moths.

MinervaFlora Updates:

At our January meeting, MinervaFlora met for a strategic planning meeting for 2026. We are excited to adopt the Mary Yost garden maintenance and grow our garden related events for the community. We look forward to education, invasive removal, social and garden tour events throughout the year! Monthly meetings are typically the first Sunday of each month 3pm -4:30 at the community building. Please join us!

Community Garden:

We’ve applied for 1 grant and were turned down. We are now applying for another and will hopefully receive money to purchase the remaining metal raised boxes we need for replacement of wood boxes. Currently accepting names of those who may like to rent plots. We’ll know what is available by first week of April, so if you have an interest, contact us to get on the list!