Appearance
It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3–5 m, with stout stems with recurved thorns. 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.
Naming
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.
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 now generally considered an invasive species, though 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.
Some places classify "Rosa multiflora" as a "noxious weed". In grazing areas, this rose is generally considered to be a serious pest, though it is considered excellent fodder for goats.
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