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Sprouts & Seedlings

Multiflora rose

Rosa multiflora

Invasive thorny rose forming impenetrable thickets. Do not transplant.

Multiflora rose: Whole plant
Whole plantPhoto: Lynn Harper · CC0 · source
Multiflora rose: Whole plant
Whole plantPhoto: Harold Smith · CC BY · source
Multiflora rose: Leaf
LeafPhoto: Broly0 · CC0 · source
Multiflora rose: Flower
FlowerPhoto: Broly0 · CC0 · source
Multiflora rose: Fruit or seed
Fruit or seedPhoto: Jarka D · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Key features

  • Arching canes with curved thorns
  • Leaves with 7-9 leaflets and fringed, comb-like stipules at the leaf base
  • Clusters of small white flowers in late spring
  • Small red hips

What it gets mistaken for

  • Native roses and blackberryHarmless

    Native roses lack the fringed stipules.

    See the card →

Warnings

  • Do not plant or transplant; ask your extension office about control.

Best time to move

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

White flower clusters in late spring.

Habitat

Fencerows, pastures and field edges.

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.