Multiflora Rose

(Rosa multiflora)

Revised November 1, 2006

Description

Multiflora rose is a perennial shrub, reproducing by seeds and sometimes rooting at the tips of drooping side canes. The stems are up to 10 feet long, in clumps and are arching or trailing, usually growing about 6 feet erect with the tips drooping almost to the ground. The stems are covered with many stiff thorns. The leaves are pinnately compound, usually with 7 or 9 leaflets.

The leaflets are 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long, elliptic, nearly smooth on the upper surface and paler with short hairs on the underside. The flowers are mostly white, sometimes pinkish, about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches broad, and borne in a many-flowered panicle. The fruits (hips) are bright red, nearly round, and about 1/4 inch in diameter. The seeds are angular achenes.

Prevention of Spread

Multiflora rose spreads primarily by seeds. Birds readily spread the seeds that germinate after passing through the digestive tract. Multiflora rose may also reproduce by rooting at the tips of drooping side canes. There is no practical action that can be taken to prevent the spread of multiflora rose.

Multiflora Rose Control Practices

Control of multiflora rose shall mean preventing the production of seed and destroying the plants ability to reproduce by vegetative means.

Cultural Control Practices

Mowing pastures several times a year will prevent multiflora rose seedlings from becoming established. Mowing may be difficult, however, in the rough, wooded pastures where the rose is most apt to be a problem. Once large bushes become established, a bulldozer may be the only practical control. However, even after bulldozing, some resprouting may occur, and seeds that have been spread readily germinate in the disturbed soil.

Herbicides Approved for Controlling Multiflora Rose

The following herbicides may be used for cost-share with landowners. Other products labeled and registered for use on this noxious weed in Kansas may be used in accordance with label directions but are not available for costshare. Be sure to follow all label directions and precautions. For additional information consult the current KSU publication of AChemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland.

• 2,4-D LV Ester. Apply when plants are actively growing in the seedling stage. Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Vanquish). Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Glyphosate (Roundup). Apply when the plants are actively growing. Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Picloram (Tordon). Restricted use product. Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Imazapyr (Arsenal). Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Tebuthiuron (Spike 20P). For pastures, rangeland and noncropland. This product may injure or kill desirable vegetation having roots extending into the treated area. Keep out of lakes, ponds and streams. There are grazing and haying limitations. Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Triclopyr + 2,4-D (Crossbow). For pastures, rangeland and noncropland. This pesticide is toxic to fish. Do not apply directly to bodies of water. Do not contaminate irrigation ditches or water used for irrigation or domestic purposes.
  
  
• Metsulfuron methyl (Escort). Use rate of 1/2 ounce per acre is recommended. Use rate range is 1/3 to 3/4 ounce per acre. Follow label directions and precautions.
  
  
• Metsulfuron methyl + Dicamba + 2,4-D (Cimarron Max). Follow label directions and precautions. 

Biological Control Practices

There are no biological controls approved for Multiflora rose at this time.