Multiflora Rose

Multiflora Rose is a member of the rose family, it is an invasive species that has been identified in Mahone Bay. It is a shrub, native to eastern Asia. This plant is capable of aggressive growth, often climbing over and outcompeting native plants and trees for light and nutrients. It reduces the biodiversity of the areas that it inhabits.

It can be identified by its multiple white flowers (seen in May and June), and long climbing canes that have stiff curved thorns. It has a very high seed production, which you can see by looking at the number of rosehips it has, which are green in the spring, and red in late summer.

Removing it can be very difficult, as cutting it back will encourage regrowth. The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council recommends that you dig it out, mow it, or uproot the plants. Report the location of these plants through iNaturalist, inaturalist.org, or directly to the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council.

Contact Lauren Clark at [email protected] for more information.