Multiflora Rose

(Rosa multiflora Thunb. ex Murr.)

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

▲ Flowering plant in fencerow

▲ flowering stems

▲ flower close-up

▲ finely-divided stipules at bases of leaves help distinguish multiflora rose from native rose species (close-up below ▼)

 

Multiflora rose: (pp. 342-343, Weeds of the Northeast; pp. 514-515, Weeds of the Great Plains)

§         a noxious weed in Missouri; common in southwest Missouri

§         a brushy, woody simple perennial species

§         native of Japan; introduced as "living fence" during early 1900's

§         reproduces mainly by seeds which are scattered by birds

§         difficult to get rid of mature plants

§         Found that “rose rosette” disease, spread by mites, will weaken and eventually kill plants, but may affect certain cultivars of desirable roses as well