EFFECTS OF INVASION BY LONICERA-TATARICA L ON HERBS AND TREE SEEDLINGS IN 4 NEW-ENGLAND FORESTS

A shrubby, exotic honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica L., has aggressively invaded woodlands throughout the northeastern United States. This paper explores its effects on herbaceous species and tree regeneration in three stands in southwestern Vermont and one in northwestern Massachusetts. In mesic stands with relatively rich soil, total herbaceous cover, herb species richness and density of tree seedlings were substantially depressed when L. tatarica cover exceeded ca. 30%, a relationship not observed at a dry poor site. Ordination indicates that evergreen herbaceous species and sprawling or vining understory species may be more tolerant of L. tatarica, suggesting that its effects on the community may be related to seasonal competition for light.