Multiflora Rose AKA Rosa multiflora
Multiflora rose was first brought to the east coast of the United States from Eastern Asia in 1866. Because its rootstalk has such a hardy nature, other more delicate roses were grafted to it. During the 1930's multiflora roses were used for erosion control. Farmers also used this plant to create a living fence to contain livestock. The plant readily escaped cultivation and today multiflora rose is found in fields, along highways and forest edges and just about everywhere that is not regularly maintained. It can climb to incredible heights seeking sunshine. Shortly after moving here, I had a lengthy and painful encounter with it. During the process of restoring a garden that had been abandoned for several years, I had the task of removing plants that had climbed and engulfed a rather tall tree. Obviously, I lived to tell the tale, but during the process it felt like I was wrestling a mad tiger, and I'm glad it's over!
The many branches of the plant are covered in single or pairs of recurving thorns that very much resemble a cat's claws. They help the plant to climb, and also act as a defense mechanism, causing many potential multiflora rose gourmandizers to avoid munching on this plant's foliage. The fruits which are called rose hips and are produced in great numbers after the flowers fade, are another matter though. They are nutritious and appealing to a variety of birds, and small mammals and are readily consumed by them. During their travels, the seeds contained within the hips are carried great distances and dispersed randomly after passing through their carrier's digestive tracts. It is possible for multiflora rose seeds to remain viable for up to 20 years. As if that is not enough, this plant has an additional method of propagation. When the long branches fall to the ground, they frequently take root forming additional plants. In botanical lingo, this is called vegetative propagation.
It is interesting to note that rose hips gathered in winter from many types of roses including multiflora, as well summer gathered petals and leaves are nutritious for humans too. The hips especially are high in vitamin C. Should you be interested in that aspect, here is a link for your exploration https://eattheplanet.org/multiflora-rose-an-invasive-but-nutritious-wild-edible/ For more information and for pictures of the six indigenous roses found in Connecticut a very interesting website can be found here https://www.conngardener.com/wild-about-native-roses/ .
It is during this time of year, June when the numerous white flowers of multiflora rose are in bloom that their intoxicating fragrance is carried in the air to the point that you can almost drink it in. In June I almost hate to see multiflora rose eliminated. Unfortunately, the plant has crowded out many of our native species. For this reason, it has joined the outlaw plant list. Hopefully when multiflora rose is removed, or at least contained, our fragrant native roses with their single pink blossoms and equally nutritious hips and leaves will again regain a foothold in our landscape.
HOW TO REMOVE
If you happen to have a herd of goats, or can borrow some, you are in luck! This is one invasive plant that goats readily consume, and they are not at all deterred by the thorns. If you don't have access to goats, it is time to take matters into your own hands. Suit up properly. Get some heavy weight gloves and loping shears. I would also suggest eye protection. Remove the branches with loping shears as you can reach them and leave them in a sunny spot to dry out. They can then be burned or brought to the landfill. The remaining stump and root system can then be dug out, or you can apply a concentrated herbicide to the freshly cut surface of the stump to prevent re-growth. After removal, you will need to monitor the area for several years to check for new emerging plants that may germinate from seeds left behind. The smaller plants are fairly easy to pull out with a gloved hand.
Very large infestations of multiflora rose will likely require a broad-spectrum herbicide such as dicamba, glyphosate or triclopyr. The diluted herbicide needs to be applied when the plant is fully leafed out so that it is carried to the plant's roots. Dicamba or triclopyr herbicides will not kill surrounding grass, whereas Glyphosate will. Applying herbicides should be a last resort, but at times it is the only practical choice. If you are comfortable using an herbicide, after reading the instructions, mix it to the appropriate strength and make the application on a calm day. That helps prevent overspray making it easier to target only the plants you want to eliminate. When using herbicide always wear protective clothing, gloves and a face shield. Be sure to follow instructions on the label.
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