Rosa multiflora
Rosa multiflora is a species of rose known commonly as multiflora rose, baby rose, Japanese rose, many-flowered rose, seven-sisters rose, Eijitsu rose and rambler rose. It is native to eastern Asia, in China, Japan, and Korea. It should not be confused with Rosa rugosa, which is also known as "Japanese rose", or with polyantha roses which are garden cultivars derived from hybrids of R. multiflora. It was introduced to North America, where it is an invasive species, forming extensive, impenetrable stands within forest understories, thickets, borders, and lowlands.
Description
It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of, with stout stems with recurved prickles. The leaves are long, compound, with 5–9 leaflets and feathered stipules. The flowers are produced in large corymbs, each flower small, diameter, white or pink, borne in early summer. The hips are reddish to purple, diameter. Two other varieties have been identified which have many synonyms of their own:- Rosa multiflora var. adenochaeta Ohwi
- Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis Rehder & E.H.Wilson
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, 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. 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 excellent fodder for goats.
The achene fruits of Rosa multiflora are used to make a tea and in traditional medicine historically and in modern clinical practice to treat constipation.