NAME: Lonicera japonica C. Thunberg

PLANT FAMILY: Caprifoliaceae

COMMON NAME: Japanese honeysuckle

APERTURATION: Tricolporate

ORNAMENTATION: Echinate

POLLINATION SYNDROME: Entomophilous

SIZE:

SHAPE: Triangular in polar outline

FLOWERING DATE: March - July in Texas

NOTES: Japanese honeysuckle pollen looks similar to other Lonicera pollen. Hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bumblebees, honeybees, and other insects visit these flowers. The flowers are usually pale yellow and have a sweet aroma. Pollen from Japanese honeysuckle is often found in honey, on corn earworm adults, and in boll weevils.

Japanese honeysuckle is native to Asia, not to the United States. It has escaped from cultivation and is a destructive vine that has endangered native vegetation where ever it grows. Unfortunately, it is still used as a horticulture plant and can be bought at most nurseries.