Red berries can seem festive at this time of year, and you may notice some adorning our shrubs in the eastern third of Kansas. They are likely one of two species of bush honeysuckle, Amur and Tartarian. Although they can provide a quick-growing screen or backdrop to the landscape reaching six to twenty feet tall, they can easily become invasive and are included on the noxious weeds list for many states.

The bush varieties of honeysuckle leaf out earlier than many other plants in the spring and remain into late fall. The long growing season supports vigorous growth each year enabling it to fill the woodland understory. Left ignored bush honeysuckle will spread quickly and creates competition for native woodland wildflowers and shrubs.

Hand pulling bush honeysuckle can be effective when the plants are small if the ground is wet. For larger plant chemical control is likely necessary. Cutting the stems to the ground without chemical application will result in vigorous resprouting. Research has shown one of the most effective methods for controlling bush honeysuckle is cutting the branches to the ground and spraying the cut stems immediately with concentrated (20%-50%) glyphosate (i.e., Roundup). Foliar applications of glyphosate or Crossbow (2, 4-D + triclopyr) in late summer and fall can also be effective especially if applied on young plants though damage can be caused by overspray onto nearby plants. Follow all label instructions when using pesticides.

Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

K-State horticulture expert says popular holiday plant can be maintained year-round

In all their colorful glory, poinsettias are a great addition to any home during the holiday season.

Ranging from red, white, green, pink or a color combination, poinsettias can be maintained year-round, says Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Poinsettias do best with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit,” Domenghini said. “Consistency is key so as to avoid drafts from windows or heat sources, such as the fireplace or space heaters.”

While bright, indirect light is preferred, Domenghini advised keeping poinsettia leaves from touching cold windows. Soil should be kept moist as well.

“If it dries completely, the poinsettia will wilt and potentially lose some leaves,” Domenghini said. “Water the plant in the sink until water runs through the drainage holes of the container.”

She warns that the roots will rot if the poinsettia is left in standing water, such as in a saucer or in the plastic sleevethey are often sold in.

“Fertilizing and other maintenance is not necessary until after the holidays,” Domenghini said.

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at [email protected], or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.

As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they will affect your furry friends can go a long way in keeping your family safe.

Plants have several natural defenses to protect themselves against pests, including physical and chemical barriers. Physical barriers might be things like fine hairs on okra, prickles on cucumbers, thorns on roses, and spines on cacti. Chemical barriers are phytochemicals that can cause various issues depending on exposure and toxicity, such as irritation or illness. Bitterness is an example of a chemical barrier.

There are plants of concern for humans, and there is another list for pets. One example of a plant that is safe for human use but can make dogs and cats sick is aloe.

With both existing house plants or when bringing plants inside, there are some ways to limit exposure to keep both your plants and pets safe. Labeling plants is key, especially when making room for all your plants as you bring them in for winter.

• Keep non-pet-friendly plants in a room out of reach.
• Discard plant debris and clippings into an outdoor receptacle or one away from pets.
• Hang plants out of reach of pets.
• Label plants and use a sticker or label on plants that are unsafe.
• Use metal cages or terrariums for added protection if you are unable to separate by room.

The following list from University of Nebraska Extension covers plants that are poisonous to pets: Amaryllis, Andromeda, apple seeds, apricot, arrowgrass, avocado, bittersweet, boxwood, buttercup, caladium, castor beans, cherry pits, chokecherry, crown of thorns, daffodil, daphne. delphinium, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, English ivy, elderberry, foxglove, glory lily, hemlock, hemp, holly, hyacinth, hydrangea, iris, jasmine, Jimson weed, Kalanchoe species, laburnum, larkspur, laurel, locoweed, marigold, mistletoe, monkshood, mushrooms, narcissus, nightshade, oleander, peach, philodendron, Poinsettia, poison ivy, privet, rhododendron, rhubarb, stinging nettle, tobacco, tulip, walnut, wisteria, and yew.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also has species-specific poisonous plant lists for dogs, cats, and horses. If a pet does consume a plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Download a Plant and Pet Safety infosheet or connect with your local Illinois Extension county office for more information.