Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
Growth Form: Multi-stemmed, arching shrub, 1 to 3 meters high.
Leaves: Opposite, simple, oblong to ovate, hairy beneath, margins entire, apex may be rounded or come to a blunt point.
Bark: Brown, lightly fissured and shreddy, the pith of twigs is hollow.
Flowers: White, soon turning yellow, in pairs in the leaf axils; May to June.
Fruits: Red juicy berries, in pairs in the leaf axils; July to August.
Habitat: Understory of deciduous woods, shores, fencerows, roadsides.
Range: Native to Japan and Korea, introduced in the 19th century and now well naturalized throughout New England and much of the eastern United States.
Similar Species: Tatarian Honeysuckle has leaves that are hairless beneath.
Comments: This shrub produces leaves in early spring, shading out spring ephemerals that have evolved to flower before native shrubs have their leaves. Listed as invasive in all New England states.
