Invasive Species: Rosa multiflora, Multiflora Rose
Infestations of multiflora rose form dense thickets, crowding and shading out native plants. Multiflora rose is a multi-stemmed, thorny, perennial shrub that grows up to 15 ft (4.6 m) tall. The stems are arching canes that are round in cross section and have stiff, curved thorns. Small, white to pinkish, five-petaled flowers occur abundantly in clusters on the plant in the spring. Fruit are small, red rose hips that remain on the plant throughout the winter. Leaves are pinnately compound, with seven to nine leaflets. Leaflets are oblong, are 1 to 1.5 in. (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, and have serrated edges. The fringed petioles of multiflora rose usually distinguish the plant from most other rose species. Multiflora rose forms impenetrable thickets in pastures, fields, and forest edges. It restricts human, livestock, and wildlife movement and displaces native vegetation. Multiflora rose is native to Asia and was introduced in North America in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. During the mid 1900s, it was widely planted as a "living fence" for livestock control.
What are invasive species, and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Rosales > Rosaceae > Rosa multiflora Thunb. ex Murr.
Rosa multiflora - USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
multiflora rose - The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS - Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS - Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
County Extension Offices - Find your county Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Shrub
Multiflora rose is a multi-stemmed, thorny, perennial shrub that grows up to 15 ft (4.6 m) tall. The stems are arching canes that are round in cross section and have stiff, curved thorns.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are pinnately compound, with seven to nine leaflets. Leaflets are oblong, are 1 to 1.5 in. (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, and have serrated edges. The fringed petioles of multiflora rose usually distinguish the plant from most other rose species.
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| Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, bugwood.org | Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, bugwood.org |
Flower
Small, white to pinkish, five-petaled flowers occur abundantly in clusters on the plant in the spring.
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| Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, bugwood.org | Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruit are small rose hips that turn to red as they ripen. They remain on the plant throughout the winter.
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| Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, Ohio State University, bugwood.org | Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, bugwood.org |
Native Rose Species That Resemble Multiflora Rose
Rosa woodsii, Woods' rose - Images at invasive.org
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| Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, bugwood.org |
Rosa carolina, Carolina rose - Images at invasive.org
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| John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, bugwood.org |
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Multiflora Rose
multiflora rose - Images at invasive.org
Learning Resources for Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora Identification Card - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Rosa multiflora Fact Sheet - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Rosa multiflora Fact Sheet - UW-Extension Weed Science
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state's land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System - Find your Land-Grant University's College of Agriculture, University Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Fact Sheet - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas - National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual - Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPPC)
Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas - Plant Conservation Alliance
Fire Effects Information System - USDA Forest Service
Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States - USDA Forest Service
Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England - University of Connecticut
Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service
