Articles
Field survey of Minnesota’s non-native honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) suggests that the L. tatarica × L. morrowii complex are not the only invaders
Article number
1467_6
Pages
41 – 50
Language
English
Abstract
Non-native bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) are recognized as one of the most pervasive and ecologically damaging invasive species complexes in North America.
Traits that drove their popularity as ornamental plants, such as vigorous growth, high reproductive potential, and flexible habitat requirements have made them superb invaders, spreading rapidly through bird dispersal and exerting negative impacts on native ecosystems.
In Minnesota, it is assumed that the shrub species L. tatarica, L. morrowii, and their hybrid L. ×bella are the primary taxa representing non-native honeysuckle throughout the state.
This has prompted their regulation as noxious weeds by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), limiting their sale and movement within the state.
Two additional honeysuckle species, L. maackii and L. japonica, have also been preemptively regulated by the MDA due to concerns that they might spread to Minnesota from neighboring states.
In 2024, we assessed the non-native Lonicera taxa present in Minnesota through literature reviews and extensive field surveys.
While the L. tatarica × L. morrowii complex is indeed the most prevalent taxonomic group present in the state, several other non-native Lonicera taxa are also present.
The species L. xylosteum was found naturalizing throughout Minnesota, often sympatric with other exotic Lonicera species, with which it is capable of hybridizing.
We present the first reports of naturalizing L. maackii populations found throughout the southeastern portion of the state.
Lastly, historical widespread planting of the hybrid cultivar Lonicera ‘Freedom’, released by the University of Minnesota in 1985, suggests that L. korolkowii genetic background is likely also present in Minnesota’s non-native Lonicera gene pool.
Our findings indicate that Minnesota’s non-native Lonicera are more taxonomically complex than previously recognized, owing to the numerous species and hybrids planted throughout the 20th century.
Traits that drove their popularity as ornamental plants, such as vigorous growth, high reproductive potential, and flexible habitat requirements have made them superb invaders, spreading rapidly through bird dispersal and exerting negative impacts on native ecosystems.
In Minnesota, it is assumed that the shrub species L. tatarica, L. morrowii, and their hybrid L. ×bella are the primary taxa representing non-native honeysuckle throughout the state.
This has prompted their regulation as noxious weeds by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), limiting their sale and movement within the state.
Two additional honeysuckle species, L. maackii and L. japonica, have also been preemptively regulated by the MDA due to concerns that they might spread to Minnesota from neighboring states.
In 2024, we assessed the non-native Lonicera taxa present in Minnesota through literature reviews and extensive field surveys.
While the L. tatarica × L. morrowii complex is indeed the most prevalent taxonomic group present in the state, several other non-native Lonicera taxa are also present.
The species L. xylosteum was found naturalizing throughout Minnesota, often sympatric with other exotic Lonicera species, with which it is capable of hybridizing.
We present the first reports of naturalizing L. maackii populations found throughout the southeastern portion of the state.
Lastly, historical widespread planting of the hybrid cultivar Lonicera ‘Freedom’, released by the University of Minnesota in 1985, suggests that L. korolkowii genetic background is likely also present in Minnesota’s non-native Lonicera gene pool.
Our findings indicate that Minnesota’s non-native Lonicera are more taxonomically complex than previously recognized, owing to the numerous species and hybrids planted throughout the 20th century.
Authors
D.G. Tork, N.O. Anderson, B.M. Miller, M.A. Rogers, A.G. Smith
Keywords
hybridization, invasive species, naturalization, field survey, Minnesota flora
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