Virginia Tech Dendrology

multiflora rose Rosaceae Rosa multiflora Thunb. symbol: ROMU
Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound leaf, 3 to 5 inches long, 5 to 11 serrated leaflets, comb-like stipules along base of petiole, dark green above and paler below.
Flower: White, 5 wedge-shaped petals, 2 inches across, occurring in clusters, fragrant, appearing in early summer.
Fruit: Red to reddish brown, 1/4 inch, oblong, fleshy "hip", ripens in late summer and persist through the winter.
Twig: Green or greenish-red, usually with paired, curved prickles, long and arching stems; buds red, pointed.
Bark: Brown, finely shreddy at base.
Form: Sprawling arching stems which form a large round crown and dense thickets; individual stems often reaching high into the air when supported.
Looks like: dog rose - sweetbriar rose - rugosa rose - Alleghany blackberry

Additional Range Information: Rosa multiflora is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and may seed into the landscape. Download the full-size PDF map.
More Information: Fall Color
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information