Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is an escaped landscape planting that originated in Asia.  Several species occur in Missouri.  It grows aggressively in thickets, taking over habitat.  It is shown here growing between multiflora rose.

The leaves are simple and occur oppositely along the hairy stems.  Note the gray coloration of the stems due to the presence of dense, short hairs.

Japanese honeysuckle running along the soil surface.  This species grows in the form of a vine.

Flowers.  Flowers are usually white, but may sometimes be yellow or pink.  One species that occurs in Missouri, Lonicera sempervirens or trumpet honeysuckle, has red flowers.  All honeysuckle species' flowers have a fragrant aroma.

Dense thicket of Japanese honeysuckle sprawling on waste ground.

Life cycle: perennial.