Invasive, Exotic Plants of the Southeast

Multiflora Rose

Common Name: Multiflora Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa multiflora

Identification: Multiflora Rose is a deciduous rose that may reach 10 feet in height.  Multiflora Rose has alternate, odd-pinnate compound leaves with straight thorns on long branching stems.  The bark is dark brown with streaks of light brown or gray.  Many small, white, and fragrant flowers appear in April to June.  Spherical, red rose hips mature from July to December.

Ecology: Multiflora Rose has been widely planted along fence rows and right-of-ways.  This invasive shrub colonizes by rooting stems and seeds that are dispersed by birds.

Plant Control:Shrubs in the home landscape are best controlled by cutting the plants back to the ground with long-handled clippers in late summer and treating the cut ends with undiluted glyphosate concentrate (53.8% preferable but 41% okay).  If a thicket is present, cut all stems back to the ground with clippers, a chainsaw, or a weed-eater with a brush blade attachment. Allow the cut stems to re-sprout, then spray the ground level foliage with a 5% solution of glyphosate with surfactant.  If near water, use an aquatic-safe product such as Rodeo and add Agri-dex Spray Adjuvant. Retreat as necessary for full control.  Monitor for new seedlings and spray or dig when found. 

Alternative Native Species: Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina), Blackberry (Rubus spp.)

When using herbicides remember to follow label-recommendations.  Any mention of trade, products, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University.

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