The influence of climate change on the distribution of Lonicera japonica in North America
Lonicera japonica (Caprifolioideae) is a species of vine native to Asia. It was introduced into the USA in the early 1800s as a garden ornamental and was first reported in the natural environment in 1882. It is recorded from 43 States, though it is most invasive in the South-Eastern States. The distribution of L. japonica appears to be limited primarily by drought, heavy frost, and temperatures unsuitable for seed stratification. However, in areas unsuitable for seed stratification it can spread by vegetative propagation. A study was conducted to identify the climatic variables correlated with the successful invasion of L. japonica and to project the potential future distribution of the vine under climate change conditions. Modelling was conducted and the output suggested that annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, max temperature of the warmest month, mean diurnal range, temperature annual range, and isothermality were the variables that predict invasion. The modelling of future projections suggest a northward shift in distribution, with the states most likely to be affected being Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. In the EPPO region, L. japonica is also a popular ornamental plant and it is recorded as an invasive species in some countries (e.g. Switzerland). The spread of the species should be monitored, especially as a result of climate change.
Sources
Peterson MR, Derouen Z, Koralewski TE, Wang HH, Heldman SM, Bishop AE, Grant WE (2024) Climate change puts the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) on the move in the southern forestlands of the United States. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-024-03314-5