Rosa spp.

There are three native roses that resemble multiflora rose: prairie rose (Rosa setigera), swamp rose (Rosa palustris), and Carolina rose (Rosa carolina). They are easily distinguished by their pink flower color and lack of bristly hairs at the bases of the leaf petioles. Flowers on these native species are about twice as large (2-2.5 inches) as multiflora rose (1 inch). Carolina rose is a short shrub (to 4 feet) with 1 to 3 flowers in a cluster. Prairie rose has long arching or climbing stems to 12 feet, and clusters of 3 to 7 pink flowers that may fade to white. Swamp rose is 6 to 7 feet tall. None are likely to form extensive infestations like multiflora rose with the exception of swamp rose in a wet habitat.

All three native rose species can be used in suitable landscapes, attracting bees and birds.

Landscape Alternatives

In addition to the three native rose species mentioned in the Rosa spp. entry, these native shrubs could be used as substitutes for multiflora rose in the landscape.

Blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) produce showy white flowers and delicious edible fruit, attracting bees and birds.

Purple Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) is 3 to 6 feet tall with large, fragrant purple flowers in summer, maplelike leaves, and fruit. Fruit is not as appetizing for humans, but birds like it. Attracts butterflies, too. Very showy.