Multiflora rose

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.) is a non-native invasive plant thriving in Eastern New England.

Where found: Second generation forest, field edge, along roadsides and waterways, and yards.

Recognizable Description: Stem base is woody brown, stem above base can be tanish-brown to dark green, top last few inches ate typically bright green depicting the newest growth. Stem has many thorns and leaves have fine hair-like structures that will feel as if your being pricked if you touch the leaves. Flowers I’ve seen be white or pink and the berry-like fruit is generally a dark red. While working on the removal of the plant, I’ve measured some plant lengths to average heights of twenty feet or more.

Use: I don’t use it. It’s a plant I try to eradicate as it’s not originally from here. Best method I found to eradicate it is to cut and remove stems then use a shovel or pick ax to dig out the plant’s base and root system. I do not recommend using chemicals as they can harm native plants, wildlife, and humans. Always take extreme caution when handling any plant for any purpose. Mind you, over the time it, it produced countless fruits which seeded the area and fed many birds that dispersed the seeds elsewhere. It’ll take time and effort to completely rid the area of the plant species.

How do you utilize multiflora rose?

I am speaking from personal experience so don’t quote me on anything. One of many great resources for information is: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England:
http://nbii-nin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane/icat/browse.do?specieId=29

If you are planning on working with Multiflora rose, refer to sources such as the general state statutes
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/list.html for more information as you may need a permit.