Plants of the World Online and Flora of China[4] include the varieties: Rosa multiflora is grown as an ornamental plant and also used as a rootstock for grafted ornamental rose cultivars.

In eastern North America, Rosa multiflora is considered an invasive species.

It was originally introduced from Asia as a soil conservation measure, as a natural hedge to border grazing land, and to attract wildlife.

[citation needed] In some regions the plant is classified as a noxious weed.

[citation needed] In Japan, the achene fruits of Rosa multiflora (referred to as "Eijitsu" or "Rosae fructus") has been utilized all over the world in traditional medicine historically and clinical practices to treat constipation.