Flower profile

Amur honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, introduced in the lower 48 states, blooming mostly April–May across the U.S.

Introduced in the lower 48

Amur honeysuckle is a flowering plant that USDA PLANTS lists as introduced in the lower 48 states. It's on our flower lists for 20 states, and across the U.S. it's most often seen in bloom in April–May.

28states where USDA records it

20Bloomipedia state lists include it

75,157U.S. sightings*

*iNaturalist research-grade observations, as of October 17, 2026.

On our lists for: Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

🚫

Regulated invasive plant in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, New York, Kentucky, New Jersey, Kansas and Delaware. It's on those states' official invasive plant lists (Ohio: Invasive plant (sale and propagation prohibited); Pennsylvania: Class B noxious weed; Indiana: Prohibited invasive plant (no sale, gifting or planting); Virginia: Tier 3 noxious weed (sale and movement restricted); Illinois: Exotic weed (sale and planting prohibited); Tennessee: Pest plant (no propagation, sale or release); Maryland: Prohibited invasive plant (some phase-outs run to 2028); New York: Prohibited invasive species (6 NYCRR § 575.3); Kentucky: Noxious weed (controlled on state highways under KRS 176.051); New Jersey: Prohibited invasive plant (propagation banned from 2027, sale from 2030); Kansas: Category C noxious weed; Delaware: Invasive Plant List (sale and propagation prohibited)). Please don't plant or share it there. ^{OAC 901:5-30-01 PA noxious weed list 312 IAC 18-3-25 2VAC5-317-20 17 IAC 1100.30 TN pest plant list MD prohibited invasive list 6 NYCRR Part 575 KRS 176.051 NJ prohibited invasive list K.A.R. 4-8-44 3 DE Admin. Code 806}

Quick look

Lonicera maackii, the Amur honeysuckle, is a species of honeysuckle in the family Caprifoliaceae that is native to temperate eastern Asia; specifically in northern and western China south to Yunnan, Mongolia, Primorsky Krai in southeastern Siberia, Korea, and, albeit rare there, central and northern Honshū, Japan.
From Wikipedia's article Lonicera maackii, CC BY-SA 4.0.

It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. ^iNaturalist
USDA PLANTS describes it as a shrub with a perennial life cycle. ^{USDA PLANTS}
USDA PLANTS lists it as introduced in the lower 48 states and records it in 28 states. ^{USDA PLANTS}
In Ohio, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in April–June. ^iNaturalist
In Pennsylvania, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in April–May. ^iNaturalist
USDA PLANTS lists its flower color as white. ^{USDA PLANTS}
USDA PLANTS gives its bloom period as late spring. ^{USDA PLANTS}
USDA PLANTS lists a mature height of about 14 ft. ^{USDA PLANTS}
iNaturalist has 11,761 research-grade sightings of it in Ohio, ranking #2 among the 186 flowers on our Ohio list. ^iNaturalist
iNaturalist has 7,496 research-grade sightings of it in Pennsylvania, ranking #12 among the 190 flowers on our Pennsylvania list. ^iNaturalist
iNaturalist has 5,213 research-grade sightings of it in Indiana, ranking #1 among the 173 flowers on our Indiana list. ^iNaturalist

When does it bloom?

Flowering records by month across the U.S. (iNaturalist research-grade observations marked “Flowering”) (3,228 records)

Bloom time in the 20 states whose Bloomipedia list includes it

State	Type	Peak bloom	Sightings*
Ohio	Introduced	April–June	11,761
Pennsylvania	Introduced	April–May	7,496
Indiana	Introduced	May	5,213
Virginia	Introduced	April–May	5,163
Illinois	Introduced	May–August	5,084
Tennessee	Introduced	March–April	4,601
Maryland	Introduced	April–May	4,572
Missouri	Introduced	April–May	4,073
Michigan	Introduced	May–August	3,615
New York	Introduced	May	3,236
Kentucky	Introduced	April–May	2,779
New Jersey	Introduced	May	2,373
Oklahoma	–	April	1,859
Kansas	Introduced	April–August	1,651
Iowa	Introduced	few records (44)	1,534
Georgia	Introduced	March–April	1,232
Arkansas	Introduced	few records (45)	1,033
Delaware	Introduced	few records (10)	518
Nebraska	–	few records (22)	516
West Virginia	Introduced	few records (19)	378

Conservation status

Federal (U.S. ESA)

Not listed No U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in the USFWS ECOS database. ^{USFWS ECOS}

NatureServe global

GNR Not yet ranked worldwide. ^NatureServe

State rare plant lists

Not listed Not on the official rare plant list in 15 of our 20 states.

See each state

Ohio: Not listed Not on Ohio endangered and threatened plants (Ohio Adm. Code 1501:18-1-03, eff. Dec. 26, 2024). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Ohio. ^{OAC 1501:18-1-03}
Pennsylvania: Not listed Not on Pennsylvania classified native plants (17 Pa. Code Ch. 45, Subchapter B, as amended 2023). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Pennsylvania. ^{17 Pa. Code Ch. 45}
Virginia: Not listed Not on Virginia endangered and threatened plant and insect species (2VAC5-320-10). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Virginia. ^2VAC5-320-10
Illinois: Not listed Not on Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Flora (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1050), per the Endangered Species Protection Board's 2025 checklist. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Illinois. ^{IL E&T checklist 2025}
Tennessee: Not listed Not on Tennessee endangered plants (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-06-02-.04, Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Tennessee. ^{TN rule 0400-06-02-.04}
Maryland: Not listed Not on Maryland threatened and endangered plants (COMAR 08.03.08.05, .06 and .08). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Maryland. ^{COMAR 08.03.08}
Missouri: Not listed Not on Missouri Wildlife Code endangered species (3 CSR 10-4.111), plants. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Missouri. ^{3 CSR 10-4.111}
Michigan: Not listed Not on Michigan endangered and threatened plants (Mich. Admin. Code R 299.1028, eff. March 20, 2023). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Michigan. ^{R 299.1028}
New York: Not listed Not on New York protected native plants (6 NYCRR § 193.3). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in New York. ^{6 NYCRR § 193.3}
Kentucky: Not listed Not on Kentucky endangered and threatened plant lists (400 KAR 3:040, eff. 2026). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Kentucky. ^{400 KAR 3:040}
New Jersey: Not listed Not on New Jersey Endangered Plant Species List (N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in New Jersey. ^{N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1}
Iowa: Not listed Not on Iowa endangered, threatened and special concern plants (Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-77.3). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Iowa. ^{IAC 571-77.3}
Georgia: Not listed Not on Georgia protected plants (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-10-.09; a 2026 update is proposed). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Georgia. ^{Ga. R. 391-4-10-.09}
Delaware: Not listed Not on Rare and Uncommon Plants of Delaware (DNREC, 2024; informational, Delaware has no state plant-protection list). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Delaware. ^{DE rare plants 2024}
Nebraska: Not listed Not on Nebraska threatened and endangered species (163 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 4, § 004). NatureServe has no Nebraska rank for it. ^{163 NAC 4-004}

Indiana

No list Indiana has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (the DNR keeps a rare plant list, but it isn't regulatory), so we show NatureServe's Indiana ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Indiana.

Oklahoma

No list Oklahoma has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Oklahoma ranks instead. NatureServe has no Oklahoma rank for it.

Kansas

No list Kansas's endangered and threatened list (K.A.R. 115-15-1) covers animals only, so we show NatureServe's Kansas ranks for plants. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Kansas.

Arkansas

No list Arkansas has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants, so we show NatureServe's Arkansas ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Arkansas.

West Virginia

No list West Virginia has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (only federally listed species are protected), so we show NatureServe's West Virginia ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in West Virginia.

Rare elsewhere

No other U.S. state ranks it S1, S2, SH or SX.

Checked October 17, 2026. Rankings and lists can change, so follow the links for the latest.

Can you eat it?

For peoplePoisonous to people

NC State Extension lists it as poisonous to humans (severity: low). Poisonous parts: fruits. Symptoms they list: “The berries cause severe diarrhea when eaten.” ^{NC State Extension}

For petsNot well documented

It isn't on the ASPCA plant list, and NC State Extension doesn't flag it for pets.

🌿 Never eat a wild plant unless you're certain of its ID; this isn't medical advice. Worried about a person? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Worried about a pet? Call your vet.

Where does it grow?

USDA PLANTS records amur honeysuckle in 28 states plus Washington, D.C.

AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL

recorded by USDA PLANTS on our state lists not recorded

See the full list of states

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin; District of Columbia.

Ohio counties with USDA records: Adams, Ashland, Brown, Champaign, Clark, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Jackson, Knox, Lucas, Miami, Montgomery, Ottawa, Stark, Trumbull, Vinton, Warren.

Pennsylvania counties with USDA records: Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Centre, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Westmoreland.

Growing conditions

USDA PLANTS gives Amur honeysuckle a high shade tolerance, low drought tolerance and medium moisture use. It is rated for soil pH 5.5 to 7.5 and winter lows down to -33 °F.

Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: Low
Moisture use: Medium
Soil textures it is adapted to: coarse, medium, fine
Soil pH range: 5.5 to 7.5
Minimum temperature tolerated: -33 °F
Frost-free days needed (minimum): 100
Annual precipitation range: 25 to 50 inches
Minimum root depth: 16 inches
Salinity tolerance: None
Fertility requirement: Medium
Growth rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Long
Active growth period: Spring and Summer
Fruit or seed: Red · Summer to Fall
Can be propagated by: bare root, container, seed
Commercial availability: Routinely Available

From the USDA PLANTS characteristics data for LOMA6. USDA ratings are general guidance for the species, not a guarantee for your garden.

Names, range and relatives

Native status by region (USDA PLANTS): Canada: Introduced; Lower 48 states: Introduced.

County records: USDA PLANTS lists it in 181 counties across 18 states; the most are in Kentucky (49), Ohio (21), Illinois (15).

Other Lonicera on Bloomipedia (7): Japanese honeysuckle, Twinberry honeysuckle, Pink honeysuckle, Coral honeysuckle, Orange honeysuckle, Morrow's honeysuckle, Utah honeysuckle.

More from the Caprifoliaceae family (18 on Bloomipedia; most observed first): Wild teasel, Common snowberry, Twinflower, Cutleaf teasel, Northern bush honeysuckle, Sitka valerian, Common valerian, Shortspur seablush.

More Ohio flowers

Wild teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Introduced

🌼 Blooms in OH: July–September

Japanese honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica

Introduced

🌼 Blooms in OH: May–October

Cutleaf teasel

Dipsacus laciniatus

Introduced

🌼 Blooms in OH: July–September

Sources

USDA, NRCS. PLANTS Database, profile LOMA6.
iNaturalist, Lonicera maackii: taxonomy, research-grade observation counts and “Flowering” annotations, retrieved October 17, 2026.
Wikipedia, Lonicera maackii (lead quoted under CC BY-SA 4.0).
State rare and invasive plant lists (34):
Show all 34 state lists
- Ohio: Ohio endangered and threatened plants (Ohio Adm. Code 1501:18-1-03, eff. Dec. 26, 2024).
- Ohio: Ohio invasive plant species (Ohio Adm. Code 901:5-30-01).
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania classified native plants (17 Pa. Code Ch. 45, Subchapter B, as amended 2023).
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Noxious Weed List (3 Pa.C.S. § 1519, PA Dept. of Agriculture) (PDA's page spells garlic mustard “Allaria petiolata”; we match it as Alliaria petiolata).
- Indiana: Indiana prohibited invasive terrestrial plants (312 IAC 18-3-25).
- Virginia: Virginia endangered and threatened plant and insect species (2VAC5-320-10).
- Virginia: Virginia noxious weeds (2VAC5-317-20, Tier 1, 2 and 3).
- Illinois: Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Flora (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1050), per the Endangered Species Protection Board's 2025 checklist.
- Illinois: Illinois Official List of Exotic Weeds (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1100.30, Illinois Exotic Weed Act).
- Tennessee: Tennessee endangered plants (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-06-02-.04, Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act).
- Tennessee: Tennessee Pest Plant List (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080-06-24-.02).
- Maryland: Maryland threatened and endangered plants (COMAR 08.03.08.05, .06 and .08).
- Maryland: Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List (COMAR 15.06.04.06; MDA, updated July 2026).
- Missouri: Missouri Wildlife Code endangered species (3 CSR 10-4.111), plants.
- Missouri: Missouri noxious weed list (2 CSR 70-45.005).
- Michigan: Michigan endangered and threatened plants (Mich. Admin. Code R 299.1028, eff. March 20, 2023).
- Michigan: Michigan prohibited and restricted species (NREPA Part 413 and the 2026 Invasive Species Order), as listed by Michigan's Invasive Species Program.
- New York: New York protected native plants (6 NYCRR § 193.3).
- New York: New York prohibited and regulated invasive species (6 NYCRR Part 575).
- Kentucky: Kentucky endangered and threatened plant lists (400 KAR 3:040, eff. 2026).
- Kentucky: Kentucky noxious weeds and invasive plants on state rights-of-way (KRS 176.051; species list from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet).
- New Jersey: New Jersey Endangered Plant Species List (N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1).
- New Jersey: New Jersey prohibited invasive plant species (Invasive Species Management Act; propagation banned from Jan 1, 2027, sale from Jan 1, 2030).
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma Noxious Weed Law (2 O.S. § 3-220).
- Kansas: Kansas noxious weeds (K.A.R. 4-8-44, as amended 2026).
- Iowa: Iowa endangered, threatened and special concern plants (Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-77.3).
- Iowa: Iowa noxious weeds (Iowa Code § 317.1A).
- Georgia: Georgia protected plants (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-4-10-.09; a 2026 update is proposed).
- Arkansas: Arkansas State Plant Board noxious weeds and prohibited plants (2 CAR § 50-101).
- Delaware: Rare and Uncommon Plants of Delaware (DNREC, 2024; informational, Delaware has no state plant-protection list).
- Delaware: Delaware Invasive Plant List (3 Del. Admin. Code § 806-3.0).
- Nebraska: Nebraska threatened and endangered species (163 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 4, § 004).
- Nebraska: Nebraska noxious weeds (25 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 10, § 001.02).
- West Virginia: West Virginia noxious weeds (W. Va. Code R. § 61-14A-5) (the rule abbreviates some names (e.g. “P. cuspidatum”); we expand them to match).
USFWS, ECOS species database (ESA listing check), October 17, 2026.
NatureServe Explorer, Lonicera maackii (global and state ranks).
Edibility and toxicity: NC State Extension.
Photo: Steven Bodzin via iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 · resized.