Native Replacements for Invasive Honeysuckles Planted for its ability to grow thick living fences, invasive bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) are one of the most common invasive species found in Hamilton County. Chances are, no matter where you are in the county, either you or your neighbors have this ecosystem-altering invasive plant. Honeysuckle spreads rapidly in both woodland environments and in our backyards, reducing biodiversity by pushing out native plants that provide the food and shelter needed for native wildlife. Roughly 85% of Indiana’s forestland is privately owned, so it is up to us as citizens to take charge and become stewards of our land. One of the biggest questions after removing invasive species can be what to plant next. Bush honeysuckles grow in thick stands that, once removed, can leave large areas of bare ground. In forested areas it can be a cost-effective solution to simply wait and see what grows back from seeds that remain dormant in the ground, but in a landscaped area it might be necessary to replant one of our many beneficial native shrubs to replace bush honeysuckle. To purchase these plants locally or online, please visit our website for retailers of native plants. For a more extensive list of Indiana native shrubs, see the Native Plants Finder by the Indiana Wildlife Federation Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangea aborescens Arrowwood Viburnum Viburnum dentatum Black Chokeberry Photinia melanocarpus Roughleaf Dogwood Cornus drummondiiNannyberry Viburnum lentago
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