How to eradicate this hellacious plant!

Question: I have approximately 5 acres, so of which is a nightmare of this hellacious plant that I am sure is derived from Satan's hair clippings. It's a thorn bush from hell and I wish to send it back from whence it came. This bush laughs at traditional "garden center" weed killers. I've done controlled burns and I think this plant likes the heat... probably reminds it of its home. And it grows and spreads faster than I can manually dig it up. It really is remarkable how well this plant survives and grows and spreads. Question 1: What is this plant... officially? Question 2: What is the most effective way to eliminate it?

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied April 11, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: I believe this plant is multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), but without leaves I cannot be 100% sure. Multiflora rose is in the Rose family and is considered an invasive species in Michigan. It reproduces by seed and runners (or layering). It can also resprout if fragments of the root system are left behind during mechanical removal.   Penn State University Extension has some good control recommendations at https://extension.psu.edu/multiflora-rose  If we can confirm that this is multiflora rose, then you may be able to seek assistance from your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA): West Michigan Conservation Network or the Kent County Conservation Districts Invasive Species Strike Team  If you have more photos as the plants continue to develop that you'd like to share, please send those my way either through this post or direct email at <personal data hidden>   One of the distinguishing characteristics is the petiole, where the leaf attaches to the branch, so some closeups of this and the leaves would be helpful.

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied April 11, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
response: PS, while not funny to you, this is one of the more humorous Ask Extension descriptions I've had, so thank you :)

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Dr. Hill - Keeper of the Sacred Knowledge, May the attached photos of the alleged multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) guide you and the wisdom you possess to a positive identification of this beguiling greenery.Thank you!LukeOn Tue, Apr 11, 2023 at 2:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied April 19, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: Luke,  I would say this is still consistent with multiflora rose. As the leaves continue to emerge we're looking for these structures called stipules at the base of the leaf and one of the identifying characteristics is that its very hairy looking, like this photo from Iowa State University Extension (see attached).  What do you think?

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: Me thinks thou ist more knowledgeable and should be trusted. On a more serious note... I put in requests to both the West Michigan Conservation Network and the Kent County Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team. (That last one needs a new name...) So it's a race to see who responds first! AND MAY THEY RAIN DOWN HAIL AND BRIMSTONE ON THIS DAMN PLANT TO THE LIKES NOT SEEN SINCE SODOM AND GOMORRAH!!!!So I'm assuming they will use some kind of herbicide. Without really knowing what kind of treatment will be done, do you have any idea if (1) the herbicide will harm my trees? I've got 20 or 30 maple and oak saplings in the area. And (2) I assume the herbicide is not going to be species specific. AKA it'll probably kill everything it touches. Any idea what a typical time period is before I can replant the area with native wild grasses or something?On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 4:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied April 20, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: If glyphosate is used, then there is no need to wait to replant the area....one of this chemical's advantages (see more info at the end). If they use something for brush control, like triclopyr, then depending on what you want to plant you may need to wait a few months. Triclopyr is selective for broadleaf plants (including trees and shrubs), but will not harm grasses when used as directed.  Either way, they will need to take care not to contact the trees. Leaching isn't an issue with these herbicides, but contacting foliage, suckers, damaged bark, or exposed roots is.  Here's some info I have on file on glyphosate I like to share with people (note, it's meant more for the person applying it, but still relevant here).  When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions (possibly more on woody species). Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody species, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring may not be effective times to treat. Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).  I wish you the best in your termination quest. Please let me know if more questions arise.

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied April 20, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Luke, I wanted to note that I will be on vacation next week, so my Ask Extension will be in 'vacation mode'. If you have more questions I would recommend emailing me directly (<personal data hidden>) so I can respond when I return...otherwise you may be assigned to another expert.