Multiflora Rose
Who would think that a rose family member can be considered invasive. It’s true and it is called Multiflora Rose. By law in many states, multiflora rose is considered a nuisance weed, and cannot be sold or propagated.
Introduced from Japan in 1886 as rootstock for cultivated roses, planting of multiflora rose was encouraged by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service beginning in the 1930's to curb soil erosion. The nursery industry also touted the shrub as a "living fence," to control livestock and create snow barriers along highways. It was promoted by wildlife managers as late as the 1960's as an excellent source of food and cover for wildlife.
Due to the dense growing habits of the multiflora rose, it has become a serious problem in the eastern United States and occurs throughout the U.S. Individual plants may produce up to 500,000 seeds per year. The majority of seedlings emerge near the parent plant from which the seeds fell. Ecological Threat Multi-flora rose is an ecological threat because it is extremely hardy. It can thrive in various soils, in different light conditions, and with varying amounts of water. These adaptations allow it to thrive and form dense thickets that exclude native plants.
Multifora rose forms impenetrable thickets in pastures, fields and forest edges. It restricts human, livestock and wildlife movement and displaces native vegetation. Cultural Control Cultural practices that promote vigorous growth of the desired pasture species create an environment less favorable for establishment of the multiflora rose. Proper fertilization and avoiding overgrazing greatly reduce problems with multifiora rose in pastures. Herbicidal Control Multiflora rose can be effectively controlled with the proper use of herbicides. Care must be used to avoid injury to desirable species in and around infested areas. |