Invasive Species Information Sheet
Environmental Stewardship Program
Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora
Description: Multiflora rose is a thorny,
perennial shrub with arching stems (canes),
and leaves divided into five to eleven sharply
toothed leaflets. The base of each leaf stalk
bears a pair of fringed bracts. Beginning in
May or June, clusters of showy, fragrant,
white to pink flowers appear, each about an
inch across. Small bright red fruits, or rose
hips, develop during the summer, becoming
leathery and remaining on the plant through
winter.
Habitat: Multiflora rose will invade
woodlands, forest edges, and meadows. It
does not grow well in extremely moist or
extremely well-drained soils.
Ecology: Multiflora rose was introduced
to the U.S. in 1886. It was primarily used
as a rootstock for cultivating roses and for
game cover. The U.S. Soil Conservation
Service and wildlife managers promoted
the use of multiflora rose to reduce soil
erosion and provide a food source for
native animals until the 1960’s. Its escape
into natural areas has caused a serious
problem throughout the U.S. One rose
bush can produce as many as 500,000 seeds in one year. The seeds are often
dispersed by birds and other wildlife that feed on the fruit.
http://tncweeds.ucdavis.e
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Range: The native range of multiflora rose includes Japan,
Korea and eastern China. In the U.S. multiflora rose occurs
in from Maine to Minnesota and Nebraska, south to Florida
and Texas. It also occurs in Washington state and Oregon.
Control Methods:
1: Cut Stump Treatment
USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database
A cut stem treatment using a 10-20% solution of glyphosate (Roundup) will be sufficient
to kill the shrub. Cut the stem several inches above the ground, and apply glyphosate to
the freshly cut stump.
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M. Baker 050704/CBennett 011707
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation
Invasive Species Information Sheet
Environmental Stewardship Program
2: Foliar Spraying
A Glyphosate solution of 1% can be applied to the leaves of plants. This works best if the
plant is sprayed while it is in full bloom. Remember, Glyphosate is a non-selective
herbicide, and has the potential to kill non-target plants. This management technique
should not be used in areas where native plants could be affected. One-hundred percent
of the leaf surface should be treated to achieve maximum success.
3: Field Spraying
In meadows, an early spring application of dicotyledon specific herbicides such as
Metsulfuron methyl (Escort) has proven to be successful. Escort is taken up by the plants
through the soil. It can kill most broad-leaved plants, including trees if applied within
there root zone. Care should be given to identify other desirable dicots that are to be
avoided. Wetlands should also be avoided. Grasses and other monocots are not affected
by Escort.
4: Repeated Mowing
In areas where repeated mowing is possible, this has proven effective against multiflora
rose. It requires that the field or meadow be mowed as lawn for several years, but the
multiflora rose will be 95% eliminated over this time frame. Be aware that many other
desirable plants will also be eliminated. This will result in a grass dominated meadow or
field.
5: Grazing
Where possible, goats have proven to be effective browsers of multiflora rose. The most
difficult thing with goats is keeping them where you want them and protecting what you
do not want destroyed. There is currently a budding national industry of invasive species
control by using leased goats. In areas with large infestations where rare plants or
habitats are not critical, this can be an effective initial control that can be easily followed
up with a chemical spot-treatment.
Similar Species:
Pasture rose Rosa carolina
Pasture rose is a native shrub often found in the same habitat as multiflora
rose. Pasture rose can be an ascending vine or a nearly erect shrub. It can
grow as much as two feet high. Its twigs are green to brown and are
covered in short straight thorns. The leaves are alternate, pinnately
compound with 3-9 oblong, elliptical leaflets. Pasture rose can easily be
mistaken for a young multiflora rose stem. However, this plant has
straight thorns while multiflora rose has distinctively hooked barbs.
www.nps.gov
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M. Baker 050704/CBennett 011707
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation
Invasive Species Information Sheet
Environmental Stewardship Program
Swamp rose Rosa palustris
Swamp rose can be identified by its
preference for wet soils, its hooked thorns
and its narrow stipules. It can grow up to 7
feet tall and has 2 inch-diameter pink flowers.
Swamp rose, has small,very narrow leaf-like
appendages, stipules, at the base of each leaf
stalk.
www.nps.gov
Common blackberry Rubus allegheniensis
Common blackberry is a native shrub. It forms
dense thickets that can reach 10 feet high. Its
leaves are alternate and palmately compound
(usually 5 serrated leaflets). Blackberry has showy
white flowers about one inch across. The fruit
ripens in July to August and appears in black
multiple drupes. The twigs are strong reddishbrown canes covered with large hooked prickles.
Multiflora Rose and Nesting Birds:
Many native bird species, including the state rare Veery, use multiflora rose as nesting
habitat. In areas where the Veery is known to occur, control should not be undertaken
during the nesting season between early May and mid-July. When controlling multiflora
rose in areas where Veeries are known to nest, restoring the site with structurally similar
plant alternatives should be undertaken to provide suitable nesting substrate.
Rose Rosette Disease
Rose rosette disease, a virus, or virus-like disease, that is most likely spread by a
microscopic mite that feeds on the plant juices of Rosa species is capable of killing
multiflora rose. First reported on multiflora rose in Canada in 1940, the disease has
recently been identified in White Clay Creek State Park by scientists studying the spread
of this disease. The effect of this disease on multiflora rose in Delaware state parks is
unknown at this time, but could greatly reduce its occurrence or potentially lead to
eradication.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY,
FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR
RECOMMENDATIONS.
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M. Baker 050704/CBennett 011707
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation