Nasty Import: To control multiflora rose, be aggressive

摘要

"It's a thick, nasty rosebush on steroids." That's how Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin-Madison weed scientist, describes multiflora rose. He says it's the No. 1 pasture weed in southern and southwestern Wisconsin and is a big problem in several other states, too. Researchers estimate that over 45 million acres in the East, South and Midwest are infested. The plant can grow to a height and diameter over 10' and produce up to half a million long-lasting seeds per year. The thorny perennial was intentionally introduced to the U.S. from Japan in the 1940s. "It was believed that the plant would be beneficial for wildlife, but research has shown that it has actually made their habitats worse," says Renz.