These three species of generally summer-fruiting bush honeysuckles are similar; L. bella is a hybrid of L. morrowii and L. tatarica. See this page for a discussion of bush honeysuckles in Michigan. See also identification tips in Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-alikes: an Identification Guide for the Mid-Atlantic (PDF) by the New York Botanical Garden.
Seeds are probably not distinguishable among these species.
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| [6] Typical bush honeysuckle seed; this one L. tatarica. |
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| [4] |
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| [4] |
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| [4] |
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| [1] L. morrowii |
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| [1] L. tatarica |
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| [1] L. bella |
Fruit ripening dates for L. morrowii: June through August
Fruit ripening dates for L. tatarica: July through August
References:
- Species profiles at USDA Plants Database: L. morrowii, L. tatarica, L. bella
- Michigan Flora online species profiles: L. morrowii, L. tatarica, L. bella
- Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Illinois: L. morrowii, L. tatarica
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, Invasive.org species profiles: L. morrowii, L. tatarica
- Comparison of non-native bush honeysuckles and key to species (PDF) - USDA Forest Service Report NRS52
- Overview of bush honeysuckles in Michigan
* Listed as invasive in natural areas by the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
(Numbers in photo captions are photo credits, listed in the "Photo Credits" tab at the top of the page)
