SPECIES CHARACTER
Description
Multiflora rose is a medium height, thorny, bushy shrub with a more spreading
then erect growth form. Leaves are born alternately on the stems and divided
into 5-11 leaflets (usually 7-9). Each leaflet is broadly oval and toothed
along its margin. Clusters of numerous, white flowers, 3/4" - 1-1/2 inches
(1.9-3.8 cm) across, blossom in late spring. The fruits are small, firm, red
hips that may remain on the plant well into winter. Older rose shrubs may
obtain a height of 15 feet (4.6 meters) or more with a root crown diameter of 8
inches (20 cm).
Similar Species
Multiflora rose can be distinguished from Illinois' native roses by the presence
of a feathery or comb-like margin on the narrow stipules (a green, leaf-like
structure) found at the base of each leaf stalk. Illinois' native rose species
all have stipules at the base of the leaf stalk, but stipules of the native
roses do not have feathery margins. Also, the styles (floral structures) of
multiflora rose are fused together into a column, while all native roses except
for prairie rose (Rosa setigera) have separate styles. Multiflora rose should be
accurately identified before attempting any control measures. If identification
of the species is in doubt, the plant's identity should be confirmed by a
knowledgeable individual and/or by consulting appropriate books.
Distribution
Multiflora rose was introduced into Illinois in the 1950's from eastern Asia for
wildlife cover and food. Managers recognized that plantings of this thorny,
bushy shrub provided excellent escape cover and a source of winter food.
Because of its dense thorny nature, the commercial nursery trade began marketing
it as a "living fence" as well. The species soon spread and became a serious
invader of agricultural lands, pastures, and natural communities throughout
Illinois.
Habitat
Multiflora rose occurs in successional fields, pastures, and roadsides. It
also may occur in dense forests, particularly near disturbances such as treefall
gaps.
Life History
Multiflora rose is named for the clusters of many white flowers born on this
perennial bramble during May or June. The flowers develop into small, hard
fruits called hips that remain on the plant throughout winter. The great
majority of plants develop from seeds remaining in the soil relatively close to
plants from which they were produced. Birds and mammals also consume the hips
and can disperse them greater distances. Rose seeds may remain viable in the
soil for 10-20 years. Multiflora rose also spreads by layering, i.e., where
tips of canes touch the ground and form roots, and by plants that arise from
shallow roots.
Effects Upon Natural Areas
Multiflora rose readily invades prairies, savannas, open woodland, and forest
edges. It is a thorny, bushy shrub that can form impenetrable thickets or
"living fences" and smother out other vegetation. It is a serious pest species
throughout the eastern United States.
Current Status
Multiflora rose is categorized as an exotic weed under the Illinois Exotic Weed
Control Act of 1987. As such, the sale or planting of this species within Illinois is
prohibited.
CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF HIGH QUALITY
Pulling, grubbing, or removing individual plants from the soil only can be
effective when all roots are removed or when plants that develop subsequently
from severed roots are destroyed. These approaches are most practical for
light, scattered infestations.
In fire-adapted communities, a routine prescribed burn program will hinder
invasion and establishment of multiflora rose.
Research indicates that 3-6 cuttings or mowings per growing season for more than
one year can achieve high plant mortality. Such treatment may need to be
repeated for 2-4 years. Increased mowing rates (+6/season) did not increase
plant mortality. In high quality communities, repeated cutting is preferred
over mowing, because repeated mowing will damage native vegetation as well as
multiflora rose.
Cutting stems and either painting herbicide on the stump with a sponge
applicator (sponge-type paint applica tors can be used) or spraying herbicide
on the stump with a low pressure hand-held sprayer kills root systems and
prevents resprouting. Roundup herbicide (a formulation of glyphosate) has been
effective in controlling multiflora rose when used as a 10-20% solution and
applied directly to the cut stump. Although the Roundup label recommends a
higher concentration for cut-stump treatment (50-100%), this lower concentration
has proven effective. With this technique, herbicide is applied specifically to
the target plant, reducing the possibilities of damaging nearby, desirable
vegetation. Cut-stump treatment is effective late in the growing season
(July-September), and also during the dormant season. Dormant season
application is preferred because it will minimize potential harm to nontarget
species. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide, so care should be taken to
avoid contacting nontarget species. In addition, Triclopyr (tradename Garlon
3A) can be applied to cut stems or canes for selective control of multiflora
rose. Garlon 3A diluted in water at a rate of 50% can be sprayed, using a hand
sprayer, to the cut surface. Application should be within a few hours of
cutting. Use of Garlon 3A is best done in the dormant season to lessen
damage to nontarget species. Great care should be exercised to avoid getting
any of the herbicide on the ground near the target plant since some nontarget
pecies may be harmed. Avoid using Triclopyr if rain is forecast for the
following 1-4 days; otherwise runoff will harm nontarget species. By law,
herbicides only may be applied according to label directions and by licensed
herbicide applicators or operators when working on public properties.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ON BUFFER AND SEVERELY DISTURBED SITES
Repeated cutting, as discussed above, is effective. For large populations on
severely disturbed areas, mowing can be substituted for cutting individual
plants. However, mowing multiflora rose can result quickly in flat tires. On
mowers, filling tires with foam is recommended.
Fosamine (tradename Krenite) can be applied as a foliar spray in a 2% solution
plus 0.25% surfactant (2-1/2 ounces of Krenite plus one-half ounce surfactant
per gallon of water). The Krenite S formulation contains the appropriate amount
of surfactant. Coverage of foliage should be complete. Krenite should be
applied only in July-September. No effects will be observed during the autumn
season following application. Slight regrowth may occur the following season
but canes will die during summer. Fosamine kills only woody species and is
non-volatile, therefore it is the preferred foliar spray treatment.
Dicamba (tradename Banvel) is an effective foliar spray that is less preferred
than Krenite. Banvel is selective against broadleaf plants, so care must be
taken to avoid contacting desirable, broadleaf vegetation. It can be applied as
a foliar spray in a 1% solution (1 ounce of Banvel per gallon of water). Though
this solution can be applied any time during the growing season, best results
are obtained during May and June when plants are actively growing and flowering,
following full leaf-out. One-half ounce of a surfactant should be added when
treating dense foliage and, to enhance control in late season applications,
complete coverage of all green leaves should be achieved. Do not spray Krenite
or Dicamba so heavily that herbicide drips off the target species. Foliar spray
of herbicides should only be used in less sensitive areas because of problems
with contacting nontarget species. By law, herbicides only may be applied
according to label directions and by licensed herbicide applicators or operators
when working on public properties.
Glyphosate (tradename Roundup) is an effective foliar spray when applied as a 1%
solution to multiflora rose plants that are flowering or in bud. Roundup is not
a preferred chemical treatment, however, because it is nonselective and the
selective herbicides mentioned above are effective. Nevertheless, Roundup can
be used as a foliar spray during the growing season on severely disturbed sites
if care is taken to avoid contacting nontarget plants. Roundup should not be
used as a foliar spray during the growing season in high-quality natural areas
because it can result in damage to nontarget species. Roundup is useful as a
foliar spray for alien plants that remain green and retain their leaves after
native vegetation is dormant or senes cent. Multiflora rose does not fit this
description adequately and is controlled most effectively when treating during
the growing season.
FAILED OR INEFFECTIVE PRACTICES
No effective biological controls that are feasible in natural communities are known. Rose rosette disease is a sometimes fatal viral disease that attacks multiflora rose and other roses. This disease is not considered a useful biological control at this time because it may infect native roses and plums, as well as commercially important plants in the rose family such as apples, some types of berries, and ornamental roses.
REFERENCES
Eckardt, N. 1987. Rosa multiflora. Element Stewardship Abstract. The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis. 9 pp.
Evans, J.E. 1983. A literature review of management practices for multiflora rose. Natural Areas Journal 3:6-15.
Underwood, J.F. and E.W. Stroube. 1986. Multiflora rose control. Ohio State Univ., Coop. Ext. Serv., Leaflet 303.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Glass, Bill. 1989. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Laurie, Dennis. 1989. Lake County Forest Preserve District, Libertyville, Illinois.
Schwegman, John E. 1989. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Written for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission by:
Bob Szafoni
Illinois Department of Conservation
R.R. 2, Box 108
Charleston, Illinois 61920