Multiflora Rose
Rosa Multiflora (CISMA, USDA -- NISIC, Wikipedia, GoBotany , Invasives.org )
Multiflora Rose (a.k.a. Rambling Rose) is a densely spreading perennial shrub that can grow up to 15 ft. tall. It has shiny, thorny arching canes that can be red to green in color. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with 5-11 serrated, elliptic leaflets that are 1-1.5 in. long. These leaves are smooth and dark above and pale with small hairs below. This plant produces fragrant flowers during May and June. Each inflorescence bears many flowers, and the flowers have five white (occasionally pink) petals and numerous stamens. Red fruits develop in mid to late summer, are nearly spherical and measure 0.25-0.3 in. in diameter. It can be identified by the hairs along the sides of the base of the leaf stems. It forms impenetrable thickets wherever it is given the chance.
Multiflora Rose is a serious invasive around Acton. It is found on all Acton conservation lands.
Removal
It is hard to kill Multiflora Rose without removal of the root cluster, which frequently have long roots and connections to other root clusters. The usual approach is to cut enough branches to allow access to the root cluster, then either prying out the root cluster with a shovel or cutting the stem cluster loose. After cutting, the stems/vines should be moved to ensure they aren't rooted. Long vines will form roots anywhere they touch ground, which are capable of sustaining the vine after it is cut.
Repeated cuttings will also kill the root system, but this will take many repeated cuttings...
Protective gear (including eye protection) is required for working with this plant. Its vicious thorns can easily pierce light cloth and jeans.
Common Mis-Identifications
Look for the hairs along the base of the leaf stems (fringed stipules) to identify this plant. Occasionally you may instead encounter these natives:
- Carolina Rose (Rosa Virginiana). Pink flowers. Found in dry areas. Found along the eastern edge of the Playing Field in Great Hill, and around the Arboretum.
- Virginia Rose (Rosa Virginiana). Pink flowers. Found in dry areas.
- Beach Rose (Rosa Rugosa) straight thorns all over the stem. Actually introduced to North America in the 1700s, but not very invasive. Grown in the Arboretum.
- Shining Rose (Rosa Nitida) - The stems are covered in many straight prickles, unlike Multiflora Rose. Bright Pink flowers. Found in wetlands.
- Swamp Rose (Rosa Palustris) - The stems have pairs of stout downwardly curving spines. Delicate pink flowers. Found in wetlands.