The woods and the wetlands surrounding my rear property are being overtaken by this invasive species. The multiflora roses are in full bloom right now and they have a delightful flower and a wonderful fragrance. I have spent countless hours cutting them back so their wicked thorns don't grab me when I mow. Here's a little history of this Asian, non-native plant. It reminds me of the
Kudzu that has overtaken the South.
Origin: Japan, Korea and Eastern China
Background: Multiflora rose was introduced to the eastern United States in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. Beginning in the 1930s, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service promoted it for use in erosion control and as “living fences” to confine livestock. State conservation departments recommended multiflora rose as cover for wildlife. More recently, it has been planted in highway median strips to serve as crash barriers and reduce automobile headlight glare. Its tenacious growth habit was eventually recognized as a problem on pastures and unplowed lands, where it disrupted cattle grazing, and, more recently, as a pest of natural ecosystems. It is designated a noxious weed in several states, including Iowa, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Distribution and Habitat: Multiflora rose occurs throughout the eastern half of the United States and in Washington and Oregon. It tolerates a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions and is able to invade fields, forests, prairies, some wetlands and many other habitats.
Ecological Threat:
Multiflora rose grows aggressively and produces large numbers of fruits (hips) that are eaten and dispersed by a variety of birds. Dense thickets of multiflora rose exclude most native shrubs and herbs from establishing and may be detrimental to nesting of native birds.
Continue reading here. My photo.
IMPACT ON FORESTRY AND FORESTERS
On Forestry: Multiflora rose readily invades forest edges, open woodlands and plantations especially where there has been land disturbance. It can form dense thickets, replace native vegetation and inhibit regeneration of trees.
On Foresters: This plant forms impenetrable, thorny thickets that make forestry work difficult and painful. The hooked thorns are known to
puncture vehicle tires (YIKES) as well as inflict deep gashes in unprotected human skin. information found
here.
