The Garden Bug: Sweet Briar Rose

By Brenda Weaver

The Sweet Briar Rose (Rosa rubiginosa) is a dense shrub of European origin that has become quite widespread in North America, especially in New England. It bears pink flowers in June to July, and its leaves exude an apple-like fragrance. Its bright red fruit (the "hips") comes after the flowering ends, ripening through autumn and persisting well into the winter months. Birds and other wildlife feed upon them. Once sweet briar claims an area, it becomes difficult to eradicate.

Sources: www.naturescape.co.uk, gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org, www.nrcs.usda.gov