multiflora rose

Rosa multiflora Thunb.

Description from Invasive.org

Appearance
Rosa multiflora is a multistemmed, thorny, perennial shrub that grows up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) tall. The stems are green to red arching canes which are round in cross section and have stiff, curved thorns.
Foliage
Leaves are pinnately compound with 7-9 leaflets. Leaflets are oblong, 1-1.5 in. (2.5-3.8 cm) long and have serrated edges. The fringed petioles of Rosa multiflora usually distinguish it from most other rose species.
Flowers
Small, white to pinkish, 5-petaled flowers occur abundantly in clusters on the plant in the spring.
Fruit
Fruit are small, red rose hips that remain on the plant throughout the winter. Birds and other wildlife eat the fruit and disperse the seeds.
Ecological Threat
Rosa multiflora forms impenetrable thickets in pastures, fields, and forest edges. It restricts human, livestock, and wildlife movement and displaces native vegetation. It tolerates a wide range of conditions allowing it to invade habitats across the United States. Rosa multiflora is native to Asia and was first introduced to North America in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. During the mid 1900s it was widely planted as a “living fence” for livestock control.

Resources

Selected Images from Invasive.org

View All Images at Invasive.org


Flower(s) in April
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s) Pink-flowered form
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s) in April
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s) flowering plant in May.
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s) June. Photo from Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses by J.H. Miller and K.V. Miller, published by The University of Georgia Press in cooperation with the Southern Weed Science Society.
James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org
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Feature(s) Stem showing thorns and feathery leaf bract
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Foliage
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Foliage August
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Fruit(s) October
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Twig(s)/Shoot(s) October
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Feature(s) Close-up of fringed stipules
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
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Fruit(s)
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
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Seed(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
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Infestation
Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Bugwood.org
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Infestation
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Control
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Control
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Control
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Control
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Infestation
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Control
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Infestation
Nancy Dagley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org
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Distribution