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Description
Lonicera Maackii, commonly known as Amur honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia. It was introduced to North America in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant and has since become invasive in many areas. The shrub can grow up to 6 meters in height and has many branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Lonicera |
Appearance
The leaves of Lonicera Maackii are oval-shaped and grow up to 9 cm long. They are dark green on top and pale green on the bottom. The shrub produces fragrant white or yellow flowers in late spring or early summer. The fruit is a red or orange berry that is about 6 mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Lonicera Maackii prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during the growing season. Fertilize the shrub once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Lonicera Maackii is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lonicera Maackii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent these issues from becoming severe.
Habitat
Lonicera Maackii is commonly found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. It can grow in a variety of soil types and tolerates both sun and shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lonicera Maackii poisonous?
A: No, the shrub is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Lonicera Maackii be used for medicinal purposes?
A: No, there is no known medicinal use for the shrub.
Q: Does Lonicera Maackii have any cultural significance?
A: Yes, in China the shrub is used in traditional medicine and is considered a symbol of long life and happiness.
Q: How can I control the spread of Lonicera Maackii?
A: Manual removal of the shrub and regular monitoring of the area can help control its spread. Chemical herbicides can also be effective, but should be used with caution to avoid harming other plants.
Related Plants
- Lonicera japonica
- Lonicera periclymenum
- Lonicera sempervirens
- Lonicera tatarica
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lonicera maackii. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b900
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Plant of the week: Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/loma.htm
- Ohio State University. (n.d.). Lonicera maackii. Retrieved from https://hvp.osu.edu/pocketgardener/source/description/lo_maackii.html
