Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora
Last reviewed: October 2026
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–240" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to Multiflora Rose
Multiflora Rose is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Multiflora Rose is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Japanese rose is a vigorous deciduous shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer. This non-native species can grow quite large and spreads aggressively through underground runners and bird-dispersed seeds. It forms dense, thorny thickets that can quickly overtake garden areas if not carefully managed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Multiflora Rose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Classified as invasive species in many states
- Spreads aggressively and difficult to control
- Can form impenetrable thorny thickets
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during the blooming period. Birds eat the small red hips that develop after flowering, though this contributes to the plant's spread.
Common questions
- How much sun does Multiflora Rose need?
- Multiflora Rose grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Multiflora Rose bloom?
- Multiflora Rose blooms in May and June.
- Is Multiflora Rose toxic to dogs?
- Multiflora Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Multiflora Rose toxic to cats?
- Multiflora Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Multiflora Rose attract?
- Multiflora Rose draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Multiflora Rose HOA-friendly?
- Multiflora Rose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Multiflora Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.