What every homeschooler (and backyard explorer) should know
If you’ve ever wandered outside in late spring and caught the scent of something sweet on the breeze, there’s a good chance you’ve met Japanese Honeysuckle. With its white and yellow blooms and sugary scent, it’s easy to see why kids (and bees) are drawn to it.
But behind the beauty, there’s a bigger story.
🌿 A Vine on a Mission
Originally brought to the U.S. from Asia in the 1800s, Japanese honeysuckle was loved for its fast growth and fragrant flowers. It was planted along fences and used to stop erosion. But—like many good things—it didn’t know when to stop.
Now, it’s considered invasive in Tennessee and much of the Southeast. It climbs over native plants, strangles young trees, and spreads like wildfire.
🧠 Why Teach Kids About It?
Japanese honeysuckle gives us a great opportunity to:
- Learn plant ID: White flowers that turn yellow? Paired oval leaves? Vining growth? Kids can learn to spot it in a snap.
- Talk about balance in ecosystems: Not every pretty plant belongs everywhere.
- Get hands-on: Carefully pulling up honeysuckle can be a fun and productive part of gardening or land stewardship.
🐝 Who Loves Honeysuckle?
Despite its drawbacks, honeysuckle is a favorite for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds drink its nectar. Kids love it too—many adults remember pulling out the stem to get a tiny drop of that sugary juice!
(Yes, that’s safe in moderation—but always double check plant ID before tasting anything wild.)
🧺 Activities to Try
- Draw it: White and yellow crayons + green vines = a great botany page.
- Taste the nectar (with supervision).
- Pull and pile: Teach gentle ways to remove honeysuckle from trees or fences.
- Tell a story: Try our fable, The Honeysuckle and the Oak, to introduce themes of balance, boundaries, and friendship.
Whether you’re walking through the woods or just exploring your own backyard, Japanese honeysuckle is one of those plants that brings a full sensory experience—and a teachable moment.
Curious for more? Grab our free printable activity guide with fun facts, a coloring page, and story-based discussion questions.
Stonewall Forest Academy – Raising Free-Range Thinkers