Sign Up for Updates
Integrated Crop Management
Integrated Crop Management
Sign Up for Updates

Multiflora rose

Multiflora rose - Rosa multiflora L.

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Life cycle: Perennial, reproducing by seed and rooting of tips of canes that touch the ground (layering).
Native status: Introduced as an ornamental, living fence; still used as rootstock for cultivated rose varieties.
Habitat: Pastures, prairies, openings in wooded areas

General description: Perennial shrub with arching canes reaching heights of 5 to 10 ft. Leaves are pinnately compound with five to eleven toothed leaflets, and the stipule at the base of the petiole resembles a fringe of hairs. Flowers are white, ½ - ¾ in wide, and produced in early June. Fruits are red, ¼ in in diameter, and often remain on canes throughout winter.

Key ID traits: The fringed stipule on the base of the leaf petioles distinguishes multiflora rose from other native Rosa species.

Similar species: The wild prairie rose (Rosa pranticola) is the state flower of Iowa. It is much smaller than multiflora rose (less than 2 ft fall) and lacks the hairy stipules. Flowers of the wild rose are usually pink compared to the white flowers of the multiflora rose.

Miscellaneous: Multiflora rose was introduced to the US for use as wildlife cover and planting as living fences. Rose rosette disease has reduced the severity of infestations in the state, but it usually only affects plants in full sun. It is believed to be caused by a virus, which causes the formation of witch’s brooms, red stems, and foliage. The disease also infects cultivated varieties, so there has been little effort to develop it as a biological control agent.

Multiflora rose plants
Multiflora rose plants are found in open sun or on edges and openings of wooded areas.
multiflora rose leaves
Leaves are pinnately compound with 5 to 11 leaflets with dentate margins.

 

Hairy stipule at base of leaf petiole
The hairy stipule at the base of the leaf petiole is the simplest way to differentiate MFR from other wild roses.  Other roses have winged stipules
pinnately compound leaves and five-petaled flowers
MFR flowers have five white petals, plants usually flower in late May or early June.
Multflora rose thorns
MFR thorns curve backward towards the crown, which makes it difficult to get detached from a plant once entangled.

 

red stems and foliage
Rose rosette disease causes red stems and foliage, another symptom is witches broom.
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.
Last Reviewed:

Topics:

Tags: