Skaneateles Conservation Area/Invasive species/Roseae

<< Prohibited invasive plants at the SCA

Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose)

Multiflora rose (also known as rambler rose) is arguably the most annoying invasive plant for trail maintainers as well as hikers. It is native to eastern China, Japan and Korea and was introduced to North America from Japan in the mid-19th century as rootstock for grafted ornamental rose cultivars. By the mid-20th century it was commonly distributed for conservation planting but is now banned by many states.

Invasiveness ranking for Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose)

Multiflora rose is ranked with a relative maximum score of 89% (very high).

Ecological impact

Large dense thickets significantly reduce light availability. Species grows as vine, shrub, and various forms in between, allowing it to impact herbaceous and understory shrub layers, plus increase density of shrub layer by itself. In some situations it will not only create a new layer but eradicate all layers below it forming a impenetrable thicket.

Substantially increases woody plant layers, outcompeting native woody and herbaceous species.

Ecological amplitude and distribution

Multiflora rose inhabits forested wetlands, cultivated fields, grasslands, old fields, shrublands, forests, woodlands, and roadsides. It is present in all New York State PRISMs.

Large stands have been observed in areas with few other invasive species. It was promoted by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in the 1930s and 1940s for erosion control and wildlife habitat. It shows widespread dispersal as a result of fleshy fruits and vegetative propagation.

Difficulty of control

Multiflora rose is usually difficult to pull up, even with a weed wrench, because the stems often crush and break off right at ground level.

Some individuals at the SCA have been observed with symptoms similar to those of rose-rosette disease (witches’ brooms and small reddish leaves and shoots), which would have been caused by mites.

Observations of Rosa multiflora at the SCA

The following photographs and corresponding iNaturalist observations of Rosa multiflora were made at or very near the Skaneateles Conservation Area. Click on images to enlarge and read details on Wikimedia Commons or on the "iNat obs" links to view the corresponding observations at iNaturalist.

• Rosa multiflora in old field south of transfer station hard-fill area, 19 Aug 2012. iNat Obs
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• Rosa multiflora up the hill from the fishing pond, 11 Sep 2015. iNat Obs
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• Rosa multiflora at the east corner of the beaver pond near the dam, 8 Nov 2018. iNat Obs
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