Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)

Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose) is a large scrambling shrub or rambling rose of arching and spreading habit with long prickly canes bearing pinnately compound, dull green leaves with 7-9, toothed leaflets. It is covered with a plentiful array of slightly fragrant, single, small white flowers with yellow central stamens in early summer. Carried in pyramidal clusters of up to 30 blossoms, they attract butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Flowering is so profuse that the attractive blossoms nearly cover the foliage. As an extra bonus, these are followed by pea-sized, round, red hips in late summer. The rose hips persist into winter to the delight of hungry birds who will feast on the large and colorful hips during the winter months. Unless restrained, this wild rose will spread through self-seeding, root sprouts and arching stems that root in the ground. It can form dense impenetrable thickets over time.