Originally Posted by
M.Magis
So because land is being lost to development, let’s go ahead and hamper what we have left by planting a very invasive plant that has zero value? THAT is ignorance if I’ve ever heard it. Actually, ignorance implies you don’t know any better. You do, so it’s just plain dumb.
shetzy911, there are numerous plants that benefit wildlife, though exactly which ones would be best depend on the type of habitat you want to plant them in. There are a few fast producing oak trees to choose from, and some soft mast trees that deer love. Blackberry bushes provide decent cover and the deer eat the berries, though I wouldn't consider it all that beneficial or attractive. Lots to choose from that neighboring farmers won't be fighting with 30 years down the road. I'm guessing haystack hasn't spent any time trying to rebuild cattle fence completely covered in Japanese honeysuckle.
Zero value? According to Biologist Chris McDonald and senior wildlife biologist Kent Kammermeyer, it does in fact have value.
"Well managed patches of honeysuckle can produce quality, year-round forage. Honeysuckle is a high quality forage with protein contents ranging from 9 to 20 percent and a digestibility of 75 percent. Protein content is dependent upon season and soil fertility with the highest levels reported during the cooler months of the year. Managed honeysuckle patches have also been reported to produce from 2,480 pounds to over 3,000 pounds of forage per acre. Existing honeysuckle can be managed by simply liming and fertilizing to increase both quantity and quality of the forage. Honeysuckle should be fertilized in early spring and again in early fall with 150 pounds per acre ammonium nitrate and 300 pounds per acre 13-13-13."
I must say that was a very detailed reply to Shetzy as far as "good" alternatives to Japanese Honeysuckle.
And for your information, I raise beef cattle for a living. Own and maintain over 7 miles of fence. If Jap honeysuckle is growing where I don't want it, I kill it. Growing where I want, I fertilize it.
Japanese Honeysuckle has been growing in my area for over 150 years and it's here to stay. It's way down on the list of my worries, very insignificant really.