Multiflora Rose; Living Fence Rose

Rosaceae

LIFE FORM: Shrub

NATIVITY: Eastern Asia

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Scandent (semi-climbing) shrub with stems up to 10 feet tall; compound leaves with 5 - 9 leaflets.

FLOWERS:

Plant is covered with 1 inch diameter five-petalled, white flowers in June.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Clusters of small, red fruit persist into winter and are readily spread by birds; also sprout prolifically from the base.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

Minimally maintained public parks and open space; vacant lots and rubble dump sites; woodlands that develop on abandoned open space; riverbanks; chain-link fence lines; railroad tracks with ballast substrate.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Salt tolerance along roadways; air pollution tolerance; food and/or habitat for wildlife; erosion control on slopes.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This "living fence" was widely planted to prevent soil erosion during the 1930s and 40s. Introduced as an ornamental species and for soil conservation purposes. Invasive species in minimally managed habitats.