Warning to remove 'pretty but invasive' plant taking over Aussie gardens: 'Aggressive'
The introduced species is commonly found across Australia, but 'can cause all sorts of problems,' a gardener warns.
Aussies are being urged to take action immediately if one particular plant is present in their garden. Japanese Honeysuckle, an introduced species known for its fragrant flowers, is "pretty but invasive" and can destroy its surroundings with its berries even proving toxic to humans.
Originally from Japan, Korea and China, the "aggressive climbing" plant is now common throughout New South Wales, Victoria and southern Queensland where it's considered an "environmental weed". It's also found throughout the ACT, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
According to Weeds Australia, it "smothers and out-competes native vegetation and prevents the regeneration of native species" with Aussies now warned to definitely avoid them.
While its unique tubular flowers, which bloom in yellow, white, purple, orange and pink, can be appealing to some, the plant is "very intrusive and can quickly take over your garden plants and cause all sorts of problems," Aussie gardener Nathan Stafford told Yahoo News.
"They are not something I would want in my garden or near my garden," he said, adding he's "had to remove lots over my time".
'Aggressive' Japenese Honeysuckle plant will 'overrun' gardens
The Blue Mountains Conservation Society has urged locals to help protect local biodiversity by removing the plant from backyards and gardens.
"This invasive vine is a serious threat to our local ecosystems," the group warned this week.
"It aggressively climbs and smothers indigenous trees and shrubs, blocking sunlight and degrading the plants it invades," the conservation group shared on social media. "Seeds are widely dispersed by birds and other animals, allowing Honeysuckle to spread rapidly.
"In domestic gardens, it can overrun ornamental plants, while in natural areas, it forms dense monocultures that destroy biodiversity. By replacing native species, Honeysuckle robs local wildlife of nectar, seeds, nesting sites, and protective habitat."
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Invasive plant could pose a risk to humans too
According to Queensland's Poisons Information Centre, they're also potentially toxic to humans and can cause skin or eye irritation if touched. "This plant is not considered poisonous but contact dermatitis may occur in sensitive individuals," the centre's website says.
It also grows shiny black berries 6–10 mm long which are poisonous if ingested, causing gastrointestinal irritation, according to Weeds Australia.
Gardener Nathan Stafford also warned of its potential threat to humans, admitting he's broken out in "a few rashes on my body when removing it" from gardens.
"You must be careful as the leaves and berries are toxic and can make you sick if you get it near your mouth," he added — especially when attempting to remove them
How to remove Japanese Honeysuckle from gardens
Aussies are encouraged to "clear it from your property to protect native plants and wildlife" and "avoid using Japanese Honeysuckle in gardens".
To remove them, Nathan said hand weeding is often the best way, but warned "it will take a while".
"I’m not a big fan of chemicals but if this stuff gets out of control then I would consider it for this if done carefully and without damaging surrounding plants," he said. "But that's a last resort".
Unsurprisingly, he add: "I definitely don't recommend Japanese Honeysuckle in gardens".
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