Etymology: Rosa: ancient Latin name whose meaning has been lost
Plants: erect, perennial, 1/2'-4' tall, clone-forming shrub usually unbranched or with only a few branches; stems with straight, slender, rounded thorns near the nodes
Leaves: pinnately-divided with 3-7 oblong to rounded, coarsely toothed leaflets
Flowers: white to pink, 5-parted, 1 1/2"-2 1/3" wide, on this year's stems, the sepals deciduous; flowers solitary; blooms June-July
Fruits: red, smooth, berry-like hips
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; upland woods, prairies, inland sands, roadsides; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4, Wetland Indicator = FACU- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key