Family: Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera hildebrandiana (giant Burmese honeysuckle) is an evergreen vine native to Southeast Asia. It is cultivated as an ornamental, used as an attractant for pollinators, and as a cut flower. This plant has been cultivated in the Hawaiian islands since 1939, however recently, Big Island Invasive Species Committee found ½ acre of this plant growing in the forest smothering several ‛ōhi‛a lehua trees. The vines smothered the tree so heavily that limbs broke and potentially took down an entire tree. This is a threat to our native trees not only because of the lack of sunlight it creates, but also the wounds on the tree make it more susceptible to Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD), a fungal pathogen affecting our beloved ‛ōhi‛a trees. 

Please report if seen and contact the Big Island Invasive Species Committee to schedule a free removal, please include your location and a photo of the suspect if possible.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Possibly naturalizing or persisting from cultivation in New Zealand and the southeastern USA (confirmation needed)
  
• Described as invasive in southeastern USA
  
• Other Lonicera species are invasive
  
• Unpalatable to deer and rabbits and possibly other browsing animals
  
• Berries reported to be mildly toxic
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rooting stems
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other fruit-eating animals, and intentionally by people
  
• Resprouts after cutting or top kill

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control