Rosa rubiginosa is a deciduous, multi stemmed shrub to heights and width of 3m. Fragrant pinkish white flowers in early summer. Briar rose has oval fruits about 2 cm long maturing to red-orange over summer-autumn. Seed is dispersed by birds, foxes and water. Briar rose forms thickets,crowding and out-competing shrubs, preventing most overstorey regeneration. Invades grasslands, woodlands, rocky escarpments and riparian areas.
Manual control
Bushes can be hand pulled. Wear suitable clothing to prevent injury from thorns.
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate rate as specified on the label and all safety precautions followed. If chemical control is necessary near drainage lines or streams, use extreme caution as the effects on aquatic life can be devastating even in minute amounts. Always seek expert advice.
Chemical control notes from SGLN’s 2017 weed guide
Apply when bushes are actively growing. Avoid spraying when bushes are stressed, when leaf fall has commenced or after the end of February. Handgun – Spray to thoroughly wet all foliage, but not to cause run-off. Registered chemicals are Grazon and Brush Off. Always check the herbicide label before use.
These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date. Please ask local suppliers and do your own research in selecting herbicides if choosing chemical control.
Family, origin, type, plant instead, control methods and the note above are from SGLN’s pocket guide Common weeds of South Gippsland (2026).
