Native Plants
The following was an article published in the NOFA NH and NHLA Newsletters:
Plant of the month is a new feature of the newsletter that will inform our members of both invasive and native species and how to identify them in the landscape. The most important part is to present key identifying features of invasives and incorporate alternative native plants in our landscape to enhance biodiversity.
Invasive Species – Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
This dense growing shrub rose is on the NH Invasive Species list for its ability to spread by seed eaten by birds and other wildlife. The arching branches root easily into the ground which can enlarge a plant very rapidly. Multiflora Rose was introduced in the 1860’s as an ornamental shrub for its valuable dense form. The shear density of the plant enabled the US to plant as living fences for wildlife as well as a median plant on highways from the 1930’s on. Planted in the middle of the highway was a way to keep accidental crossing over to the other side into oncoming traffic. This plant could actually stop a car!
As with most invasive species, Multiflora Rose can grow anywhere. Shade, sun, dry, wet, it is easily adaptable to a wide variety of habitats choking out native plants and wildlife. Each shrub can produce up to one million seeds. The seeds can be viable for up to twenty years. This invasive species also has the ability to inhibit the growth of our native trees.
The white flowers (which can sometimes have a light pink hue to it) blooms profusely and should not be confused with our native roses which are pink flowering. Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana) and Pasture Rose (Rosa Carolina) are two native roses that can be used in the landscape. Both are vital for both food and cover for wildlife and are not invasive.
