Appearance
It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3–5 m, with stout stems with recurved prickles. 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."Plants of the World Online" and "Flora of China" include the varieties:
# "Rosa multiflora" var. "adenochaeta" Ohwi
# "Rosa multiflora" var. "cathayensis" Rehder & E.H.Wilson. Flowers pink, to 4 cm diameter.
# "Rosa multiflora" var. "multiflora". Flowers white, 1.5–2 cm diameter.
Distribution
It was introduced to North America, where it is regarded as an invasive species.
Uses
"Rosa multiflora" is grown as an ornamental plant and also used as a rootstock for grafted ornamental rose cultivars.In eastern North America, "Rosa multiflora" is considered an invasive species. It was originally introduced from Asia as a soil conservation measure, as a natural hedge to border grazing land, 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.
In some regions the plant is classified as a noxious weed. In grazing areas, it is generally considered to be a serious pest, though it is considered excellent fodder for goats.
The hips of the plant are edible.
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