The Multiflora rose was introduced to the East Coast in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. The rose grows in dense woods, praries, along stream banks and in open fields and pastures. It is a thorny shrub with arching stems that can form impenetrable thickets. As a result it excludes native plants. The Multiflora rose is so hard to get rid of because of it's impenetrable thickets but it also high tolerance for numerous soils, moisture and light conditions. In the beginning of May or June it will start growing showy, fragrant white to pink flowers. Before it was seen as a problem it was used as widlife cover for pheasant, bobwhite quail, and cottontail rabbit. It was also used for food for songbirds. Some farmers even planted them before they discovered how invasive they are.