Rosa bracteata

Description

Rosa bracteata is an evergreen, thorny, climbing or trailing shrub that invades open, disturbed areas throughout the southern United States. Plants often grow in clumps. Stems are arching canes with recurved thorns. The alternate leaves are pinnately compound with serrated margins. Leaflets are 1-3 in. (2.5-7.6 cm) long. Flowers are white with five petals and occur in small clusters from April to June. Fruit are small green to red rose hips and are present from July to December. Rosa bracteata can form dense, impenetrable thickets in open forests and pastures. Infestations restrict cattle and wildlife use of land and displace native species. It is native to Asia and was first introduced into the United States as an ornamental.