Multiflora rose (MFR) is a common weed in pastures, Conservation Reserve Program acres, timber and other areas that are not disturbed annually. Now is an appropriate time for treatment of these weeds in pastures and other areas they invade.

Identification

MFR can grow to 5 to 10 feet tall, and spreads by both seed and arcing canes that root at the tips. It produces an abundance of white flowers in late May or early June. Leaves are key to distinguishing MFR from other roses. Each pinnately compound leaf contains 5 to 11 toothed leaflets. The base of each leaf petiole has a stipule resembling a fringe of hairs; cultivated and native roses have winged stipules. For more on identification, check out this encyclopedia article.

Control with herbicides

Numerous herbicides provide effective control of MFR when applied at the right time and manner. One of the best times to treat MFR is when plants have fully leafed out in the late spring; some products specify that treatments are most effective when plants are in early or midflower. The following table provides information on some of these herbicides.

Source: Iowa State University Extension

Check individual product labels and the invasive species control database listed below for more specific information, including suggested product rates for broadcast treatments to control MFR. Many of the active ingredients are off-patent and sold under different trade names. When using spot treatments, it is important to achieve thorough coverage of the entire plant.

Precautions should be taken to prevent off-target movement that may result in injury to desirable plants. Check labels for any restrictions that may pertain to use near water resources and for grazing of treated areas.

Alternative control options

This plant may be managed with mechanical efforts with significant effort. Mowing plants 3 to 6 times during the growing season for multiple years should significantly reduce MFR populations. Additionally, mechanical removal by pulling or digging to remove the root crown and as many roots as possible is an effective method to eliminate plants.

Information regarding both chemical and nonchemical control tactics are provided at the Midwest Invasive Plant Network control database.

As with most weeds, controlling multiflora rose requires a long-term commitment. In areas with established populations, the seed bank will allow reinfestation. Thus, follow-up efforts are required to control plants that survive earlier treatments and plants that emerge from the seed bank. Proper pasture management that enhances competitiveness of the pasture grasses will reduce the recruitment of new plants from the seedbank.

Anderson is an Iowa State University Extension field agronomist.
Hartzler is an Iowa State University professor of agronomy and Extension weed specialist.

Source: ISU Integrated Crop Management News, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren't responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.