Fw: Bush Like plant

[Mark Mayfield]

Mark H. Mayfield
Division of Biology
1717 Claflin Rd. 
Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4900
785-532-2795 (voice)

Office: 304 Bushnell Hall

---

From: Mark Mayfield <mark...@ksu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 11:58
To: Clayton Lester <ctle...@ksu.edu>
Subject: Re: Bush Like plant

 

Hi Clayton,

This is the infamous Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). The fruits are toxic and therefore I would not recommend eating them. This plant is one of the most invasive shrubs in North America and should never be encouraged anywhere. It was introduced from Asia in the 1930s. When they invade forests, they cause the forests to decline due to lack of tree reproduction. Encourage anyone who has this plant on their landscape to remove it or cut and paint the stumps with some 40% glyphosate or stump killer. Good alternatives of this plant are any of the North American hollies (Ilex decidua would do well where you are and looks nice with red fruits in the fall). You migh also consider aromatic sumac, lanceleaf buckthorn (Rhamnus lanceolata), and Aronia species (melanocarpa and arbutifolia). None of these is invasive and all are beneficial to wildlife.

Mark

Mark H. Mayfield
Division of Biology
1717 Claflin Rd. 
Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4900
785-532-2795 (voice)

Office: 304 Bushnell Hall

---

From: Clayton Lester <ctle...@ksu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 9:48
To: Mark Mayfield <mark...@ksu.edu>
Subject: Bush Like plant

 

Hi Mark

I brought in this little branch. They said it grows like a bush, and they were wondering if it was edible, and the berries always appear at this time of year.

Thanks Clayton

Clayton Lester

Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent

Kansas State University

P.O. Box 148

Columbus, KS 66725

620-429-3849

ctle...@ksu.edu