Two wild buds

Be on the lookout for wild blooming roses over the next few months. Wild roses, Dog rose and Sweet briar, are serious environmental weeds in the South East.

Natural Resources Management Officer Michelle Sargent said you may see them growing amongst roadside vegetation, along fence lines, or in native bushland.

“These woody perennial trees outcompete native vegetation as well as harbouring pest animals such as rabbits and foxes,” Ms Sargent said.

Both sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) and dog rose (Rosa canina) are declared weeds under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, requiring control on property. The South East NRM Board can also recover the cost of controlling roadside pest plants and pest animals from adjoining landholders, however encourages landholders to take action, checking with local council first to ensure compliance for local regulations.

“Both species are easily controlled using the same methods. These can include mechanical removal, cut and swab or herbicide spray. Grazing can also help to control the younger seedlings.”

The free PIRSA weed control handbook (available from your local NRM officer) and SA Weed Control app are a great resource to help with identification and control options, and you can always contact a Natural Resources Management Officer for further information.

Your local NRM Officer can be found via the link below or calling the Natural Resources Centre on 8735 1177