Distribution and Harm of the Japanese Honeysuckle
Now that you have gotten to know the Japanese honeysuckle, it is time to learn how they got here and why they are such a threat. From importations to bird droppings, you will find all the unique ways this pesky plant gets around if you scroll down.
Distribution
The United States is infested much of the united states, including Illinois. The japanese honeysuckle occurs in many states in the southern U.S, from California to New England and as well as the Great Lakes region(11). Escaped populations have also appeared in Hawaii. In some northern and western states, the severe winter temperatures and low precipitation seem to limit distribution there(11).
Biological Threat
The threat of this plant can do a lot of things to the environment around it. These plants spread widely, and choke out other plants in the process(11). They also have very few natural enemies in the wild, therefore it does not have much competition, so it spread wildly and rapidly without much resistance(11).
How they get around in short distances.
The Japanese honeysuckle operates like any other plant. They get around by growing and sexual means( use seeds to disperse(11).The seed produces long vegetative runners that develop roots, and stem and leaf junctions ( or nodes) then come in to contact with the moist soil around it(11). The underground stems (or rhizomes) then help establish and spread the plant locally(11).
Long Distance Travel
The plant also gets a ride and hitch hikes on birds. The plant long dispersed in long distances when birds or other wildlife eat the fruit of the plant, they eventually poop out the seeds in various places away from the original parent plant(11).