Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) was first recorded as an escape in 1934. Imported from eastern China, Japan and Korea, it was widely planted in southern Michigan. Conservation groups encouraged growing it as late as the 1970s as “wildlife plantings” for cover and food. This was before they understood its invasive tendencies. 

Multiflora Rose is a large shrub with arching branches that often tip root. Alternate, compound leaves remain green late in the season. They have seven or more leaflets. At the base of each leaf is a fringed stipule. Our native roses never have fringed stipules. The leaf stalks and the flower stalks are glandular.

Flowers have five petals and are white. They occur in large clusters and the styles form a column. Many of our native roses have larger, pink flowers.

The fruit often remains on the shrub through the winter. Winter buds are blunt, reddish, and glabrous. Twigs have sharp, recurved, thorns.

 
Copyright 2021 by Donald Drife

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