Honeysuckle

Honeysuckles (genus Lonicera) are arching shrubs or twining vines, many with sweetly-scented bell-shaped flowers. There are over 180 species of honeysuckle, the most common of which are Lonicera periclymenum (European honeysuckle), Lonicera japonica (known commonly as Japanese honeysuckle, White honeysuckle, or Chinese honeysuckle) and Lonicera sempervirens (known commonly as Coral honeysuckle, Trumpet honeysuckle, or Woodbine).

Japanese honeysuckle and Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) are considered invasive weeds in the United States, and Japanese honeysuckle is classified as a noxious weed by the state of Illinois. Honeysuckle can be controlled by cutting, flaming, or burning the plant to root level and repeating on two week increments until nutrient reserves in the roots are depleted. Honeysuckle can also be controlled through annual applications of glyphosate, or through grubbing if high labor and soil destruction are not of concern.

Lonicera xylosteum (Fly Honeysuckle) is a common homeopathic remedy, used for asthma, breathing difficulties and syphilis.

Lonicera periclymenum (European honeysuckle) is an uncommon homeopathic remedy, used for irritability with violent outbursts.