How to identify Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

How to identify Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

Multiflora rose, also known as Many-flowered rose, Japanese rose

Multiflora rose is a deciduous climbing shrub that typically reaches 10' to 15' feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in height. Its branches are adorned with sharp, curved prickles that aid in its rambling growth habit. This robust plant is characterized by its ability to form dense, thorny thickets. Its foliage comprises pinnate leaves, while the flowering aspect showcases clusters of small, vibrant blooms, indicative of its family lineage.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Multiflora rose

Deciduous climber reaching 10'-15' (3-4.5 m) with sharp prickles forming dense thickets.

Showy, fragrant flowers with white to light pink petals, 1/2-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) wide.

Round red hips, 1/4 inch (6 mm) diameter, in clusters persisting into fall.

Odd-pinnate compound leaves with 5-11 ovate leaflets, serrate margins, fringed stipules.

Thin, flexible green to red canes with curved sharp prickles, cascading growth pattern.

Detailed Traits of Multiflora rose

Leaf Features

The leaves of multiflora rose are alternate, odd-pinnate, and compound, featuring 5-11 ovate leaflets with serrate margins. Each leaflet is 1/2-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) long with acute tips. They are green, with a slightly glossy texture and prominent central veins. The petioles have distinctive fringed stipules, setting them apart from other roses. These features are crucial for identifying multiflora rose in the field.

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Flower Features

The flowers of multiflora rose are showy and fragrant, ranging from white to light pink. They feature five petals and measure about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in width. These flowers bloom in clusters called corymbs from late spring to early summer, specifically from April to June. Each flower is perfect, containing both male and female reproductive parts.

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Stem Features

Multiflora rose exhibits green to red arching canes that are notably thin and flexible, measuring between 0.1 to 0.4 inches (0.3 to 1 cm) in diameter. The canes are adorned with numerous prickle-like structures, giving them a rough texture. These prickles, which vary in size, are curved and sharp, aiding in plant support and protection. The stems often branch in a cascading pattern, contributing to the plant's sprawling growth habit, making identification straightforward for enthusiasts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of multiflora rose is distinguished by its small, round hips, which typically measure 1/4 inch (approximately 6 mm) in diameter. These hips, characteristically red in hue, are known to cluster in eye-catching groups. Appearing in late summer, they persist into the fall, contributing to the visual appeal of the plant. Each hip encases multiple achenes, the true fruits, highlighting the plant's prolific seed production. The hip's formation, defined as an accessory fruit, implies it develops not solely from the ovary but also from surrounding tissue, adding a unique botanical aspect to multiflora rose.

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Multiflora rose and Their Similar Plants

China rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

The china rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy to see why the china rose was chosen as the basis for many rose hybrids.

Rugosa rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

This tall shrub is known for its hardiness, surviving in many climate zones and poor soil conditions. They produce large flowers from summer to winter and their hips attract birds (and are tasty to humans too!). With such beautiful flowers one might be surprised to hear that the rugosa rose is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Lady banks's rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

Lady banks's rose is a species of rose with pale yellow flowers which is popularly planted in gardens worldwide. The largest specimen of lady banks's rose (Rosa banksiae) in the world is in Tombstone, AZ. This is where the famous “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” took place. A clipping that eventually became the bush was sent over from Scotland in 1885, making this rose over 130 years old.

Burnet rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima) is one of the thorniest wild rose species. "Spinosissima," in fact, means "the most thorny" in Latin - this delicate white rose is great to look at, but not to pick! Burnet roses are native to Europe and northern Africa, though they have been introduced to New England and much of the Midwest in the U.S.

Carolina rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

The rose hips growing out of carolina rose (Rosa carolina) make their appearance in the fall. Birds of many different species love to feast on this crimson-colored fruit. However, this delicacy isn't reserved solely for our avian friends, because humans can make tea from them. They are exceedingly high in vitamin C and will help boost your immune system.

Apple rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

The apple rose is a densely branched, compact shrub that grows to heights of 1.5 to 2 m and often forms underground runners. The bark of the branches are dark brown and smooth. The bark of the younger branches is reddish, slightly frosted and mostly velvety soft hairy.

Swamp Rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

Swamp Rose is a shrubby member of the rose family native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 2 m tall and just as wide. It works well as a flowering hedge for areas with rich, moist soils. Blooms in summer and prefers full sun. Attracts birds and butterflies.

Climbing rose vs. Multiflora rose: What's The Difference?

With a widespread distribution in North America, the climbing rose is a medium-sized shrub that can climb through its hooked thorns. Thus, its common name is Climbing rose, as it needs support and is excellent to plant on fences and along highways. The light pink flowers attract wildlife such as birds, bees, and insects.

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Key Facts About Multiflora rose

Attributes of Multiflora rose

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

3 m to 5 m

Spread

3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Burgundy

Orange

Stem Color

Green

Red

Burgundy

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Multiflora rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Roses

Species

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

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Distribution Map of Multiflora rose

Multiflora rose is native to China, Korea, and Japan and has been naturalized in much of the United States, parts of western Europe, Argentina, and some parts of the Mediterranean. The United States considers it an invasive species. It grows naturally in grasslands, fields, forests, woodland edges, and prairies.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Multiflora rose

A Comprehensive Guide to Multiflora rose How to Grow and Care for Multiflora rose