Seasonal cycle: Multiflora is a perennial shrub that
flowers in May or June in Connecticut; fruits (hips) develop in the late summer. The plant
reproduces by seed as well as by rooting at the tips of the drooping canes. Although
the leaves drop off each fail, the stems persist through winter and releaf in the
spring.
Distribution: Native to eastern Asia, multiflora rose is a
common naturalized pasture weed in most of the northeastern and midwestern United States.
It is found throughout the United States with the exception of the Rocky Mountain
area, southeastern coastal plains, and the Nevada and California desert areas.
Other points of interest: Multifora rose is named for
the clusters of many white or occasionally pink flowers borne on this bramble during May
or June. It was introduced to the United States for wildlife cover and food, and has now
become a serious invader of agricultural lands, pastures, and natural areas. Its dense
growing habit prevents establishment of native plant species.
The great majority of plants develop from seeds, which remain
viable in the soil for ten to twenty years. Birds and mammals consume the fruits,
dispersing seeds over great distances. Rose hips are an important winter food for many
birds, including mockingbirds, bluebirds, wintering robins, cedar waxwings, etc.
Control: Cutting three to six times per growing season
for several years can be effective in controlling this species. Herbicide application is
also possible, particularly application to regrowth of cut material. The application of
glyphosate (Roundup) has been successful when used as a 1% volume/volume (v/v) solution or
as a 0.5% v/v with the addition of a surfactant (soap). The herbicide should be applied in
the fall to kill the root and stem. GIyphosate is a non-selective herbicide and
great care should be taken in its usage. Biological control methods are currently being
explored, but are not yet available.
Additional information sources:
Gray's Manual of Botany. Eighth edition, corrected printing.
M. Fernald. D. Van Nostrand Company, New York, 1970.
A Literature Review of Management Practices for Multiflora
Rose (Rosa multiflora). J. Evans. Natural Area Journal 3 (1), 1983.
Vegetation Management Guideline: Multiflora Rose (Rosa
multiflora ~unb.). R. Szafoni Natural Arehas Journal 3 (4), 1991.
Common Weeds of the United States. Dover Press, 1971.
Diagnostic information: Leaves: Pinnately compound,
between 5 and 11 leaflets per leaf, each leaflet broadly oval, less than 1-1/2"
long. Flowers: White to pinkish-white (1" in diam.); 25-100 stamens found in long or
pointed panicle. Fruit. Red; globular to ovoid; somewhat fleshy. Stems and branches.
9'-12' long, first 6' erect and tips arching close to ground.
This fact sheet has been prepared by The
Nature Conservancy
