How Well They Fit In!

     As mentioned on the habitat page, Rosa multiflora can be found in almost every part of the United States.  But how is a species that is native to Asia able to grow so efficiently in the United States?  First off, the plants wide distribution can be attributed to its capability to grow and live in multiple environments whether they be hot, cold, dry, or wet.  This is a result of the rose bush's hardy structure and its ability to withstand temperatures down to -28° F.  The multiflora rose's prolific numbers are also a result of the ways in which its reproductive styles have adapted to its surroundings.  

     Rosa multiflora has incredibly competent and successful reproductive strategies.  For example, when conditions are unfavorable and sexual reproduction (the production of seeds) cannot occur, the plant has two possible "back-up" strategies.  It resorts to reproducing asexually by root sprouts or by its branches.  Because of this, Rosa multiflora's rate of reproduction is never reduced.  Furthermore, when conditions are favorable, it has been estimated that the average multiflora rose produces about a million seeds per year!  Even more amazing is the fact that these seeds are capable of remaining viable in the soil for up to twenty years!

Continue on to learn about the rose's presence in the media by clicking on Roses in the Media, or go return back to the previous page.