Subshrubs, forming dense patches; rhizomatous, rhizomes long. Stems erect, 2–10(–15) dm; distal branches glabrous, eglandular; infrastipular prickles absent, internodal prickles erect or ± curved, usually intermixed with aciculi. Leaves persistent, 2.5–8 cm, membranous; stipules persistent, adnate to petiole, auricles flared, margins entire or serrate, eglandular or glandular; leaflets (5–)9–11(–13), terminal: petiolule 2–4 mm, blade oblong-ovate, suborbiculate, or broadly elliptic, 5–22 × 5–12 mm, abaxial surfaces glabrous, eglandular, adaxial green, dull, glabrous. Inflorescences: flowers solitary. Pedicels erect, slender, 15–35 mm, glabrescent, eglandular, sometimes with aciculi; bracts absent. Flowers 2–4 cm diam.; hypanthium subglobose, glabrous, eglandular; sepals persistent, erect, ovate-lanceolate, 10–12 × 2.5–3 mm, margins entire, abaxial surfaces glabrous, eglandular; petals single, white [rarely pink]; carpels 18–23, styles free, lanate, stylar orifice 2.5–3 mm diam., hypanthial disc flat, 4–4.5 mm diam. Hips blackish purple, globose or subglobose, 8–13 × 8–16 mm, lustrous, glabrous, eglandular; sepals persistent, erect. Achenes basiparietal.

Distribution

Eurasia, introduced also in Atlantic Islands (Iceland), Pacific Islands (New Zealand).

Discussion

Species ca. 25 (1 in the flora).

In addition to the species treated here, yellow-flowered Rosa hugonis Hemsley has been reported from Ontario.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Rosa spinosissima