The Multiflora Rose was brought to the US from Japan in 1886 by horticulturists who used it as a rootstock for ornamental roses. Since the 1930's various services of the federal government have promoted the use of hedgerows of multiflora roses to prevent erosion, to contain livestock, to serve as snow barriers, to provide a shield from oncoming headlights on highway medians, and as a cover and food source for birds and small animals.
However, this exotic plant can crowd out other plants and form an impenetrable mass too dense to provide suitable cover for many birds or large animals. It is now targeted as an undesirable by the National Invasive Species Council and by many state and national conservation programs.