An unusual alien plant + more bears

On the way back from visiting new friends at WJFF Radio, the only hydro-powered radio station in the world, I think – they’re across the Delaware River in the Catskills in New York State - I came across two interesting things.

Firstly, especially after I crossed the river north into New York, the non-native Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora was everywhere. To be honest, it looks really lovely: attractive, rounded bushes, with close sprays of fragrant white flowers. If it was a native it would be a universal favorite – but it’s from Asia, and spreads quickly, so it’s an invasive, so it must be bad.

Then as as I drove through the torrential rain, I spotted a pink-flowered bush. I stopped as safely as possible in the downpour – and then the rain eased off a little as I walked back for the obligatory picture (and a piece torn from the root, which may even survive in the garden here.). The picture shows the pink one I spotted from the road (pretty, isn’t it - of course it may be a hybrid with a garden rose) there were also a few blushed white seedlings around as well.

Finally, just as I was pulling into our driveway – there were the bears again: mum and just two cubs. They were just lounging around, rooting about, scratching tree trunks - that sort of thing. I rolled down the window, took a couple of snaps, and left them to it. But the pictures, on an old camera and leaning across out of the passsenger-side window, are terrible! Sorry.

Comments

[Joanna]

How interesting. It's very similar to a rose I have been admiring for the past few days when I go into town (Henley on Thames) ... I was thinking of asking if I could take a cutting, but now I am not so sure (although some invasive plants are always welcome, and I think this might be one of them). Do you think it would invade in south Oxfordshire?

Joanna
joannasfood.blogspot.com

[Graham Rice]

You can see a map of the distribution of R. multiflora in Brirain here: http://tinyurl.com/34yrc3 - it looks as if it may be in your general area, or close by, already. The pink form is unusual - this is the first time I'd seen it. I'd suggest knocking on the door and asking if they know what the rose is and where they got it from? It may be a similar variety that already has a name. Otherwise, beg a cutting or perhaps a sucker - and when it's established send a picture to Peter Beales at his nursery and ask him what it is! He likes a little mystery to solve.