Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Rosa bracteata
| USDA Symbol: | ROBR |
| ITIS TSN: | 24817 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Asia |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Currently located in the Southeastern U.S., north to North Carolina, and west to Texas. Occurs in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed, including natural areas such as the prairies of the Armand Bayou Nature Center.Introduction Pathways
Brought to southeast Texas in the past century for use as a natural hedge row. Spread to pastures and ranges by cattle and bird-dispersed seeds.Specific Primary Habitats
Prefers clayey soil. Grows in disturbed areas including cattle rangeland, right-of-ways, fence lines, drainage ditches, and river bottoms. Can spread to the understories of open forests.Identifying Characteristics
This evergreen shrub has arching stems and recurved thorns. Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with toothed margins. Each leaflet is 1 - 3 in. long. Flowers occur in small clusters, and are white and 5-petaled, with many yellow anthers in the center. Hips (fruit) are round and fleshy, 0.25 - 0.4 in. in diameter, green or yellow but ripening to red.Reproduction Characteristics
Vegetative sprouting from the stem base and stem rooting results in onsite colonization. Spreads primarily via dispersal of seeds by both birds and cattle. Seeds readily germinate from cattle feces. Flowers April to June, and fruits July to December.Growth Characteristics
Individual plants of Macartney rose form dense clumps several yards in diameter and as high as 10 feet, later coalescing to form dense thickets.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Macartney rose forms dense thickets, displacing native grasses such as the endangered white bladderpod, and altering native wildlife habitat. Greatly decreases forage productivity of cattle pasture and adds to the economic burden of land managers.Suggested Control Methods
For range conditions, apply industrial herbicide such as 2,4,5-T + picloram directly to plant during the spring. Cattle that have been feeding on hips (fruits) should not be moved to uninfested pasture for risk of seed spread.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Single Macartney rose plant showing terminal flowers and waxy leaves; taken in June. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 0016194. |
 The Macartney rose in full sun. Photo courtesy http://biotech.tipo.gov.tw/ |
 Close-up of flower of the Macartney rose showing heart-shaped petals. Photo courtesy www.fiorellagilli.it |