DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

Introduced from Japan in 1886 as rootstock for cultivated roses, planting of multiflora rose was encouraged by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service beginning in the 1930's to curb soil erosion. The nursery industry also touted the shrub as a "living fence," to control livestock and create snow barriers along highways. It was promoted by wildlife managers as late as the 1960's as an excellent source of food and cover for wildlife. Due to its dense growing habits, it has become a serious problem in the eastern United States and occurs throughout the U.S.

Multiflora rose has naturalized in most of the northeastern and midwestern United States. Presumably, its northern range is limited by an inability to tolerate winter temperatures below -28F degrees. The plant is found in old fields, pastures, roadsides and forests. It can live in a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, but thrives in sunny areas with well-drained soils. It is not found in standing water or extremely dry habitats.