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| Rosa multiflora Thunb. |
Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose, Baby Rose, Rambler Rose) is a species of rose native to eastern Asia, in China, Japan and Korea.
It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3-5 m, with stout stems with recurved thorns (sometimes absent). The leaves are 5-10 cm long, compound, with 5-9 leaflets and feathered stipules. The flowers are produced in large corymbs, each flower small, 1.5-4 cm diameter, white or pink, borne in early summer. The hips are reddish to purple, 6-8 mm diameter.
Two varieties are accepted by the Flora of China:
- Rosa multiflora var. multiflora. Flowers white, 1.5-2 cm diameter.
- Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis Rehder & E.H.Wilson. Flowers pink, to 4 cm diameter.
Cultivation and uses
Rosa multiflora is grown as an ornamental plant, and also used as a rootstock for grafted ornamental rose cultivars.
In eastern North America, Multiflora Rose is now generally considered an invasive species, though it was originally planted as a soil conservation measure and to attract wildlife. It is readily distinguished from American native roses by its large inflorescences, which bear multiple flowers and hips, often more than a dozen, while the American species bear only one or a few on a branch.
Some places classify Multiflora rose as a "noxious weed" [1]. In grazing areas, this rose is generally considered to be a serious pest, though it is considered excellent fodder for goats.
References
- Flora of China: Rosa multiflora
- "Multiflora rose". U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved on March 27, 2006.
