Stems of the Cherokee rose grow to 15 feet or more and form impenetrable 
clumps. Although this species reproduces by seed, root sprouting, and layering, 
the scattering of seed by birds is probably the major reason for its rapid spread. 
Cherokee hybridizes with Macartney. The Cherokee—Macartney hybrid is some- 
times confused with one or the other of its parents. However, it can usually be 
distinguished by its tendency to double flowering. 
Woods Rose 
Woods rose (Rosa woodsii Lindl.). is a native species with stems that do not die 
back to the base each winter as some native roses do. It grows to a height of 6 
feet or more. Each leaf has 5 to 11 leaflets, the usual range being from 5 to 7. 
The flowers are pink to whitish with 5 petals, and from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. 
Woods rose reproduces primarily by seeds. 
CONTROLLING WEED ROSES 
Mowing, which keeps many weeds in check, is not sufficient to control estab- 
lished infestations of weed roses. In the case of Macartney and Cherokee, dis- 
turbing the plant may actually increase its tendency to spread. And although 
mowing retards the spread of multiflora in managed pastures, many stands are not 
mowed because they have gained too much headway, because they are located in 
terrain not suited to mowing, or because the land has been abandoned. 
To help reduce the labor and frustration of trying to control weed roses by 
mechanical means alone, scientists have been investigating the effectiveness of 
various herbicides. For example, the Agricultural Research Service of the United 
States Department of Agriculture and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the De- 
partment of the Interior are conducting a joint study of multiflora and its control 
at the Patuxent (Md.) Wildlife Refuge. The Missouri Agricultural Experiment’ 
Station is also testing the effectiveness of various chemical treatments for con- 
trolling multiflora. And the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station has _ been 
conducting experiments on herbicidal control of Cherokee and Macartney roses. 
Similar studies are conducted in many States. 
Studies conducted by ARS to date show that sprays containing either 2,4—D or 
2,4,5-T or both are effective for controlling some weed roses when conditions 
permit their use—that is, when the herbicides can be used without damaging other 
broad-leaved plants. 
In current experiments by ARS and state scientists, a new chemical, picloram 
(4—amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid), has shown excellent results when applied 
as sprays or in pellet or granular form asa ground treatment. However, picloram 
is registered only for use on rights—of—way and land not planted to crops. Further 
research must establish whether it is safe for general use before unrestricted 
recommendations can be made. 
Caution in Use of the Chemicals 
These three herbicides are moderately toxic when taken internally by man or 
animals. Read the directions on the container label and heed all precautions. 
Keep these herbicides in closed, well—labeled containers in a dry place and where 
they will not contaminate food and where children and pets cannot reach them. 
peel these chemicals so as to avoid drift of the spray to nearby crops and live- 
stock. 
