Japanese honeysuckle

 Norfolk, Virginia, this plant is most likely Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).

Here's why:

• Flower appearance: The flowers in your image have the characteristic tubular shape that opens into two lips, with long stamens extending outwards, which is typical of honeysuckle. The color, starting as white and potentially fading to yellow, also aligns with Japanese honeysuckle.
• Leaves: The oval, opposite leaves in your picture are consistent with honeysuckle.
• Vining habit: While not clearly visible in this close-up, Japanese honeysuckle is a vigorous vine, which is common in the Norfolk area.

While the image could potentially resemble other types of honeysuckle (like Lonicera caprifolium or Lonicera periclymenum), Japanese honeysuckle is very common and naturalized in the United States, including Virginia.

Description:

• Growth Habit: It's a vigorous, twining, and trailing perennial vine. Without support, it will readily spread along the ground, forming dense mats. Given something to climb, like fences, trees, or structures, it can quickly ascend.
• Leaves: The leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen (meaning they might persist through a mild winter), oval-shaped, and arranged oppositely along the stems. They are typically 1-3 inches long and can be a deep green color. Some varieties may have slightly hairy undersides.
• Flowers: The flowers are highly fragrant and bloom profusely, typically from late spring through summer. They start as pure white and often turn yellowish as they age. The individual flowers are tubular, about 1 inch long, with five lobes that split into two lips. The long stamens and pistil extend noticeably beyond the petals.
• Fruit: After flowering, it produces small, glossy black berries, typically around ¼ inch in diameter.

Origin and Spread:

• Native to: East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China.
• Introduction to North America: It was introduced to North America in the mid-19th century as an ornamental plant, valued for its fragrant flowers, rapid growth, and erosion control capabilities.
• Invasive Nature: Unfortunately, it has become highly invasive in many parts of North America, including Virginia. Its aggressive growth allows it to outcompete native vegetation for sunlight, water, and nutrients. It can smother native shrubs and young trees, reduce biodiversity, and alter forest structure.

Ecological Impact:

• Negative Impacts:
  • Competition: It forms dense thickets that suppress the growth of native plants.
  • Habitat Alteration: It can change the light levels and soil conditions in an area.
  • Reduced Biodiversity: By outcompeting native plants, it reduces the food and shelter available for native wildlife.
  • Forest Regeneration: It can hinder the establishment of new trees in forests.
• Potential Benefits (though often outweighed by negatives):
  • Erosion Control: Its dense growth can help stabilize soil.
  • Wildlife Food: The berries are eaten by some birds and small mammals, although they are not considered a high-quality food source and can sometimes cause mild toxicity.
  • Fragrance: The sweet scent of the flowers is enjoyed by many.

Control and Management:

Due to its invasive nature, managing Japanese honeysuckle is often necessary to protect native ecosystems. Common control methods include:

• Manual Removal: Hand-pulling or digging up small infestations, especially seedlings and young plants. This is most effective when the soil is moist.
• Cutting or Mowing: Repeatedly cutting or mowing larger infestations can help to weaken the plants and prevent seed production. Follow-up treatments are usually needed.
• Herbicide Application: Systemic herbicides can be effective, especially when applied to freshly cut stems or leaves (depending on the product and time of year). Careful application is crucial to avoid harming non-target plants.
• Biological Control: Currently, there are no widely established biological control agents for Japanese honeysuckle in North America.

In Your Area (Norfolk, Virginia):

Given your location in Norfolk, Virginia, Japanese honeysuckle is very likely to be present. You might see it growing in various habitats, including forests, fields, roadsides, and even in gardens where it hasn't been properly contained.

While its fragrant flowers can be appealing, it's important to be aware of its invasive potential and consider native alternatives for landscaping.