How to identify Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima)

How to identify Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima)

Burnet rose is recognized by its thicket-forming habit, growing up to 4 feet (1.22 meters) in both height and width. This shrub is particularly noted for the profusion of sharp prickles and spines that adorn its stems, varying greatly in size. The dense, bristly aspect of the stems gives burnet rose its distinctive appearance. The foliage typically bears a healthy green hue, providing a stark contrast to the plant's formidable defenses.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Burnet rose

Thicket-forming shrub up to 4 feet (1.22 meters) in height and width.

Creamy-white flowers with 5 symmetrical petals, 2 inches (5 cm) across.

Distinctive blue-black hip fruits, 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1 to 1.5 cm) in diameter.

Compound leaves with 9-11 shiny, serrated leaflets, 0.6 to 1.2 inches (1.5 to 3 cm) long.

Reddish-brown stem with prickles, diameter up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm), new growth dense along stem.

Detailed Traits of Burnet rose

Leaf Features

The leaves of burnet rose are compound and shiny, featuring 9-11 leaflets. Each leaflet is elliptic to ovate in shape, typically ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 inches (1.5 to 3 cm) in length. The leaflets have a serrated margin and a pinnate venation pattern. The overall leaf texture is smooth with a glossy appearance.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of burnet rose burst forth in a profusion of single, creamy-white blooms that are delightfully fragrant. Each flower features 5 petals and blossoms in late spring to early summer. The blooms measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) across, creating a strikingly elegant appearance. This combination of a soft, creamy color with a mild, pleasing aroma and neat, symmetrical petals makes the flowers of burnet rose easily recognizable and a charming addition to any garden.

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Stem Features

The stem of burnet rose is characterized by numerous reddish-brown prickles of varying sizes. It transitions in color from reddish-green when young to reddish-brown as it matures. The texture of the stem is firm and well-armored with prickles, making it easily distinguishable. Typically, the stem’s diameter ranges up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm). The branching pattern is dense, with new growth appearing along the stem, enhancing its sturdy and somewhat bushy appearance.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of burnet rose is a distinctive, spherical structure, usually measuring roughly 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1 to 1.5 cm) in diameter. These hip fruits characterize a rich blue-black hue upon maturation, with a smooth to slightly wrinkled texture. Often found in clusters, these fruits stand out against the foliage of the plant. Noteworthy for being among the less common color variations of rosehip fruits, their unique pigmentation can help in the identification and appreciation of burnet rose.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Burnet rose and Their Similar Plants

China rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

The china rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy to see why the china rose was chosen as the basis for many rose hybrids.

Multiflora rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an ornamental climbing shrub native to East Asia. The specific epithet 'multiflora' means 'many flowers' and refers to the great number of flowers the plant produces. The flowers are usually white, but some pink varieties can be found. Multiflora rose is considered a noxious weed in certain parts of the world.

Rugosa rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

This tall shrub is known for its hardiness, surviving in many climate zones and poor soil conditions. They produce large flowers from summer to winter and their hips attract birds (and are tasty to humans too!). With such beautiful flowers one might be surprised to hear that the rugosa rose is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Lady banks's rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

Lady banks's rose is a species of rose with pale yellow flowers which is popularly planted in gardens worldwide. The largest specimen of lady banks's rose (Rosa banksiae) in the world is in Tombstone, AZ. This is where the famous “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” took place. A clipping that eventually became the bush was sent over from Scotland in 1885, making this rose over 130 years old.

Carolina rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

The rose hips growing out of carolina rose (Rosa carolina) make their appearance in the fall. Birds of many different species love to feast on this crimson-colored fruit. However, this delicacy isn't reserved solely for our avian friends, because humans can make tea from them. They are exceedingly high in vitamin C and will help boost your immune system.

Apple rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

The apple rose is a densely branched, compact shrub that grows to heights of 1.5 to 2 m and often forms underground runners. The bark of the branches are dark brown and smooth. The bark of the younger branches is reddish, slightly frosted and mostly velvety soft hairy.

Swamp Rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

Swamp Rose is a shrubby member of the rose family native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 2 m tall and just as wide. It works well as a flowering hedge for areas with rich, moist soils. Blooms in summer and prefers full sun. Attracts birds and butterflies.

Climbing rose vs. Burnet rose: What's The Difference?

With a widespread distribution in North America, the climbing rose is a medium-sized shrub that can climb through its hooked thorns. Thus, its common name is Climbing rose, as it needs support and is excellent to plant on fences and along highways. The light pink flowers attract wildlife such as birds, bees, and insects.

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Key Facts About Burnet rose

Attributes of Burnet rose

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green

White

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Burnet rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Roses

Species

Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima)

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Distribution Map of Burnet rose

Burnet rose originates from temperate regions across Eurasia and has established itself in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its native range extends from western Europe to northern China, encompassing diverse climates and terrains. The plant has been introduced to other regions like northern and western Europe, furthering its reach. Notably cultivated for its ornamental value, burnet rose thrives in areas that echo its natural habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Burnet rose

A Comprehensive Guide to Burnet rose How to Grow and Care for Burnet rose