Multiflora Rose (also known as Japanese Rose, Baby Rose, Rambler Rose)
Kingdom: Plantae > Division: Tracheophyta > Class: Magnoliopsida > Order: Rosales > Family: Rosaceae > Genus: Rosa > Species: Rosa multiflora · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Pinnately compound (odd-pinnate with usually 7 to 9 leaflets), deciduous
Species
Rosa multiflora
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (odd-pinnate with usually 7 to 9 leaflets), deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Individual leaflets are elliptic to obovate with acute tips and cuneate bases
Size
Leaflets are 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long; entire compound leaf is approximately 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed margins)
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem
Rarity
Very Common (extremely abundant and invasive in its non-native range)
Color & Pattern
Medium to deep green upper surface, paler green undersides; minor light stippling present on upper leaf blade, likely from spider mite activity
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation on leaflets with prominent central midrib and pinnately branching lateral veins
Texture & Surface
Slightly puberulent to glabrous upper surface, smooth to slightly rugose texture; prominent fringed/comb-like stipules at the base of the petiole
Description
Multiflora Rose is a sprawling, thorny perennial shrub that forms dense thickets with long arching green stems (canes) armed with sharp recurved prickles. It features pinnately compound leaves with characteristically fringed stipules at the petiole base. In late spring, it bears clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, followed by small red hips in autumn.
Key Features
Fringed or comb-like stipules (feather-like appendages) at the base of the leaf stalk; 7-9 serrate leaflets per leaf; prominent recurved thorns on green canes; clusters of small white five-petaled flowers.
Habitat
Pastures, forest edges, roadsides, thickets, successional fields, and disturbed open woods; highly adaptable to various soil types
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). Introduced to North America and widespread across the Eastern and Midwestern United States and southern Canada, where it is classified as invasive.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall; minor fine yellowish stippling visible on the upper leaflet surfaces, characteristic of mild spider mite or thrips feeding; minor edge browning on a few distal leaflets; overall leaf structure is firm and healthy.
Interesting Facts
Originally imported from East Asia in the 1860s as rootstock for ornamental roses and promoted in the 1930s by the US Soil Conservation Service for erosion control and living fences. It spreads aggressively via hips eaten by birds and root suckering, dominating native pastures.
Medicinal & Uses
Rose hips are high in Vitamin C and traditionally brewed into tea or jellies. Widely used historically as living livestock fencing and wildlife shelter, though now heavily controlled as a noxious weed.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for pollinators and winter food for birds via hips, but forms dense monocultures that shade out native flora, reducing biodiversity in open forest and meadow ecosystems.
Similar Species
Rosa carolina (Carolina Rose) and Rosa virginiana (Virginia Rose) both have un-fringed stipules and pink flowers; Rosa rugosa has heavily wrinkled leaves; invasive Rubus species (brambles) have palmately compound or trifoliate leaves.
Foraging Tips
Identify in late spring by dense clusters of fragrant white blossoms, or in autumn by small shiny red hips. Look closely at the base of the leaf stem for the distinctive comb-like fringed stipule to confirm true Rosa multiflora.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and animals. Hips are edible but contain irritating tiny hairs inside around the seeds that should be removed before consuming in quantity.