How to identify Apple rose (Rosa villosa)

How to identify Apple rose (Rosa villosa)

Apple rose, also known as Shaggy Rose

Apple rose is a deciduous, perennial shrub reaching 4 to 6 feet (about 1.2 to 1.8 meters) in height. Its compact frame features dense foliage and pronounced single pink flowers that bloom in summer. Post-flowering, it produces noticeable large red fruits. In the fall, the leaves of apple rose transition to a soft yellow hue. The plant propagates through underground runners, aiding its spread in a garden setting.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Apple rose

Single blush-pink flowers, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, with delicate petals.

Glossy, blue-green leaves, oval with serrated edges, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

Dark brown, smooth bark on mature stems with velvety reddish young branches.

Compact frame, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall, with dense foliage and large red fruits.

Distinctive yellow fall foliage, propagates through underground runners.

Detailed Traits of Apple rose

Leaf Features

The leaves of apple rose are glossy and blue-green, often displaying a smooth, waxy surface. Their shape is typically oval with serrated edges and they measure about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems and exhibit a pronounced central vein with smaller, branching veins. In autumn, the leaves may turn a vibrant yellow, adding a striking seasonal color change. These leaves contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of the plant.

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Flower Features

Apple rose exhibits single blush-pink flowers, each measuring approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. These blooms are characterized by their gentle, delicate color and simplistic allure. The flowers typically possess five petals arranged in a classic rosette pattern, with a light fragrance that adds to their appeal. Apple rose blossoms from June to early fall, presenting a stunning display throughout the season.

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Stem Features

The stem of apple rose is marked by its distinct dark brown and smooth bark on mature branches. Younger branches exhibit a reddish hue, are slightly frosted in appearance, and are mostly covered with velvety soft hairs. The stem typically varies in thickness, with older branches being more robust and newer growth slender. Branching patterns are generally consistent, with evenly spaced lateral branches emanating from the primary stems, providing a visual contrast through the different stages of bark coloration and texture.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Apple rose and Their Similar Plants

China rose vs. Apple 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. Apple 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. Apple 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. Apple 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.

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

Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima) is one of the thorniest wild rose species. "Spinosissima," in fact, means "the most thorny" in Latin - this delicate white rose is great to look at, but not to pick! Burnet roses are native to Europe and northern Africa, though they have been introduced to New England and much of the Midwest in the U.S.

Carolina rose vs. Apple 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.

Swamp Rose vs. Apple 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. Apple 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.

Identify Apple rose easily and quickly

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Key Facts About Apple rose

Attributes of Apple rose

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Flower Color

Pink

Fruit Color

Red

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Apple rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Roses

Species

Apple rose (Rosa villosa)

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Distribution Map of Apple rose

Apple rose is originally distributed across a broad region encompassing the temperate zones of Europe and Western Asia. Its native range extends from the cooler northern areas to the various Mediterranean-climate regions. It has also been introduced to northern Europe, where it has established itself beyond its historical native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Apple rose

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