Monday, July 21, 2008

Tartarian Honeysuckle: an Invasive Species


The ripe berries of the Tartarian Honeysuckle appear to glow with their own internal light in this backlit photograph.

Tartarian Honeysuckle was introduced into this country first as an ornamental and later for wildlife habitat improvement. Although it will crowd out native plants it does provide a huge mast crop that is a favorite seasonal food for many species of song birds.

As to whether it is ultimately beneficial or harmful is for someone more educated on the subject than I to decide. As for me I am content to allow them to grow in my fence rows providing a multitude of meals for my little feathered friends.

8 comments:

Louise said...

Not only the multitude of meals--which would tend to make me allow it to grow--but it's gorgeous!

Kekiinani said...

It is a beautiful plant. At least it does provide some nice benefits. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: A plant that does provide a meal for the songbird seems like a good idea. The berries remind me of salmon eggs.

Anonymous said...

I would have them here if they were here. Nice photo too.

photowannabe said...

I have never seen red berries like that on my honeysuckle. It would make a great show on a fence. I do like your backlighting.

Michele said...

Gosh, they do seem like they are glowing! That's just perfect photography... beautiful.

Tom said...

Excellent capture,
As a plant for wildlife it sounds like a good one.. providing much food and I should think shealter as well.
Tom

Kerri Farley said...

Lovely shot! Glad they are helping to feed the birds!!