It may look pretty, but this non-native shrub is ugly for Missouri’s plants and wildlife.
Bush honeysuckle grows quickly and crowds out native plants that insects, birds, and other critters rely on for food and shelter. Learn to identify its flowers, leaves, berries, and stems so you can find this harmful shrub and remove it. (Hint: It greens up earlier in the spring and stays green longer in the fall than most plants.) For honeysuckle-busting tips, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCi.
Flowers: May to June
Leaves: Oval, grow in pairs
Berries: September to October
Trunk: Multiple stems with long grooves
Instructions
This bluebird needs help getting to her nest! This grid is full of photos of bush honeysuckle, as well as native dogwood, hickory, oak, and maple trees. A To clear a path to its nest, draw an “X” through each photo of honeysuckle you see.
Also In This Issue
Ah-ten-hut! I am Sergeant Sand. You will address me as drill sergeant, not ma’am or miss. My mission is to train recruits to follow orders, respect superiors, and serve with honor. I demand excellence. Understood?
Missouri’s ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers are swimming with fishes! More than 200 different kinds lurk under the water’s surface, from the well-named least darter that’s not much longer than your thumb to the lake sturgeon that can grow as long as a sofa and weigh more than 200 pounds.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber