The Up-Side of "Invasives"

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The Up-Side of Invasives

Admittedly, the title of this blog could be considered blasphemous to true naturalists.  An invasive is by definition something that doesn’t belong, and its arrival, be it plant or animal, is generally bad news for the local population.

So, I must admit this is true of the Multiflora Rose that made its way here from Japan in 1866 and has been taking over fields and forest edge, streamsides and savannahs ever since. They say a decent sized shrub can produce up to a million seeds a year, and these seeds can remain viable for up to 20 years.  On top of that, wherever its canes touch the ground, a new plant can take root, so impenetrable thickets are the norm.  Of course such thickets block the light, and generally make it impossible for the usual herb layer plants or other native plants  to grow there. 

Under the category of “It seemed like a good idea at the time”, this rose was brought over from Japan to serve as a rootstock for ornamental roses.  In the 1930’s, the Soil Conservation Dept. thought it would make a great erosion control plant and a lovely, living fence to keep the cattle in.  Birds love the seeds, rabbits love the rosehips 

and quail loved the cover.  This looked like a win/win until it started to spread. 

And spread it has, throughout much of the US and now everyone is trying to figure out how to get rid of it.  Cut it down 3-6 times a year for 2-4 yrs. is one way; job security for the mowers.  Poison it with Round up they say, or introduce a fungus that wipes it out but yikes, doesn’t anyone worry that may well wipe out the other roses too?  There is thought of introducing a small mite, that might kill them yet, it seems to me that one day that too, might fall under the category of “It seemed like a good idea at the time”. 

So, upon reflection, maybe it is a little rash to mention any “up-side” of these roses but I say that because I had the immense joy of being on Cape Cod in early June.  And from early to mid June this pesky invasive makes the world smell like Paradise.  Along the Falmouth Bike path, Multiflora rose climbs up the trees, forms a hedgerow with another fabulous smelling invasive, honeysuckle, and as you bike you are completely surrounded by such perfumed air you never want to exhale. 

On the trail behind the Penniman House near Ft Hill, in Orleans, the roses climb the locust trees making it look like a bower for a wedding has been set in the woods.  Working at Greenbrier Nature center, the “Briar patch” of Burgesses books was comprised of heady thickets of multiflorsa rose that perfumed our air. From spring, when the plant would begin to green, to fall when the rose hips would have formed, I would snip a branch or two to bring as a treat for Peter   (our mascot rabbit of course) so that he would get a treat for his “performance” and the kids would get a treat watching the branch be nibbled away, thorns and all.

So, as unethical as it may seem, I have selfishly loved this rose and I was so happy to have been there when it was blooming.  And for saying that I perhaps will get a few demerits on my report card but as it seems it will be here for my lifetime anyways, I might as well enjoy it.  Stop and smell the roses, be they invasive or not will be my motto.