Invasive Pink

Lonicera tatarica, Pink Honeysuckle, Ross Twp, Pittsburgh, 2019

On a strip of land meant to deal with storm water runoff, an imported ornamental escapee flourishes.  Introduced in 1845 from China, L. tatarica is a woody bush rather than a ground covering vine such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), although L. tatarico will twine around surrounding vegetation and trees, choking them out in the same manner that L. japonica will if left unchecked.  That's why, despite what beauty and medicinal properties are to be gotten from these plants, they're considered invasive and noxious.  I have collected honeysuckle for medicinal purposes, and it's important to note that the flowerhead is what holds the most potent active properties, and should constitute the bulk of your collection.  To a much lesser degree are the leaves useful.