Multiflora Rose

Description:

Height: Multiflora rose grows to 4 m (13 ft). The first 1.5-2.0 m (5.0-6.5 ft) of the stem are typically erect with the tips arching back to the ground. Leaves: Pinnately compound leaves are divided into 7-9 leaflets. Leaflets are less than 4.0 cm (1.5 in) long, obovate to elliptic, glabrous, and finely serrate. Stems: Stems are glabrous, erect, and arching with curved, flattened, broad-based thorns. Flowers: Flowers are white to pinkish-white with 1.0-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in) long petals. The five sepals are lanceolate and glabrous to puberulent. Blooms May - July. Fruit: Rose hips are red, 6-9 mm (0.2-0.4 in) long, ovoid, and fleshy. Eventually they become firm and remain on the plant into the winter months. A medium-sized bush is capable of producing 500,000 to 1,000,000 seeds. Fruit matures September-October.

Habitat:

Multiflora rose was introduced from Japan, Korea, and eastern China in 1886 as rootstock for ornamental roses. In the 1930s it was widely promoted as a "living fence" for soil conservation and in wildlife programs. Present distribution is throughout the United States with the exception of the southeastern coastal plains, Rocky Mountains, and western desert areas. In Tennessee, multiflora rose occurs throughout the state along fence rows, successional fields, and pastures. It may invade natural areas, especially fields, flood plains, and light gaps in forests. Multiflora rose was introduced more than 40 years ago for high quality wildlife cover, living farm fences, and windbreaks. In some states, multiflora rose was used as a crash barrier along highways. Multiflora rose spreads rapidly into adjacent fields and undisturbed areas, often forming monotypic thickets. Many states list it as a noxious weed. It belongs to the Rosaceae (Rose) family.

Notes:

Spotted growing beside road on Kennesaw Mountain Rosehips are still visible on the vines.