MULTIFLORA ROSE
DESCRIPTION:
A member of the rose family, multiflora rose is a dense spreading shrub with wide, arching canes and stiff curved thorns. Older plants may have a root crown diameter of 8 inches or more and can reach a height of 15 feet. Its pinnately compound leaves grow alternately and usually consist of seven to nine small (1/2 to 1 inch) oval leaflets with toothed margins. The leaflets are nearly smooth on the upper surface and paler with short hairs on the underside. Blossoming in late spring, its numerous white flowers form a panicle from 1/2 to 2 inches across. Native roses usually have pink flowers. The flowers develop into small, hard, nearly round red fruits (called hips) that are 1/4 inch in size. They remain on the plant throughout the winter. The seeds are angular achenes.
Life History and Effects of Invasion