How to Get Rid of Japanese Honeysuckle

Overview

Japanese honeysuckle has been declared an invasive plant in most of the northeast United States. The honeysuckle grows best in shady areas where it has other bushes or plants to support it. It grows quickly, winding itself over the host plant until it's choked out its sunlight and killed it. The vines wind tightly around the plant stalks, preventing the original plant from getting water as well. While the flowers look pretty, you may want to get rid of this plant as soon as it starts interfering with others.

Removing the plant

Step 1

Start by pulling as much of the honeysuckle out by hand as you can. Remove the whole root by pulling slowly but firmly as close to the base of the plant as possible. Since the plant tends to wind itself around desired plants, you may wish to cut the vine and carefully unwind it from the host before attempting to pull the roots.

Step 2

Cut any wood that is too large to pull. The National Forestry Service suggests cutting as close to the ground as possible and using an herbicide formulated for vines and woody growth immediately after cutting.

Step 3

Remove all debris carefully. Japanese honeysuckle propagates through both its rhizome growth and by dropped seeds found in the berries. Be sure to get the berries in the trash.