Family: Rosaceae

Rosa rugosa, commonly known as the rugosa rose or Japanese rose, is a species of flowering shrub in the family Rosaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China. Rosa rugosa is well-known for its attractive and fragrant flowers, as well as its hardiness and ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. It is reported to be naturalized in several locations worldwide, including in the Kaloko Mauka region of Hawaii Island. It is also regarded as a serious environmental weed, capable of being spread by birds, water, and vegetatively by creeping rhizomes. Over time, it can form dense thickets that exclude other vegetation and reduce biodiversity.

Description and Dispersal:

• A multi-stemmed shrub with a mounting habit
  
• Arching stems are covered with thorns
  
• Alternate and pinnately compound leaves with 5 to 9 dark green leaflets
  
• Each leaflet has pronounced veins, a wrinkled appearance, serrated edges and downy undersides
  
• Bright red hips stand out among the foliage
  
• Purplish-pink flowers are sweetly fragrant

High Risk Traits:

• Rosa rugosa, commonly known as the rugosa rose or Japanese rose, is a species of flowering shrub in the family Rosaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China. Rosa rugosa is well-known for its attractive and fragrant flowers, as well as its hardiness and ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. It is reported to be naturalized in several locations worldwide, including in the Kaloko Mauka region of Hawaii Island. It is also regarded as a serious environmental weed, capable of being spread by birds, water and vegetatively by creeping rhizomes. Over time, it can form dense thickets that exclude other vegetation and reduce biodiversity.
  
• Broad climate suitability (but primarily temperate)
  
• Naturalized in New Zealand, Europe and North America and recently reported as naturalized in Kaloko Mauka, Hawaii island.
  
• An environmental weed, especially of coastal dune ecosystems
  
• Other Rosa species are invasive
  
• Covered in dense prickles
  
• Prickles may deter browsing by most animals
  
• May host pests of other Rosa species
  
• Pollen may be allergenic to susceptible individuals
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense, impenetrable thickets
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by suckers
  
• Hybridizes with other Rosa species
  
• May be self-fertile with low seed set
  
• Reaches maturity in 3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, water and intentionally by people
  
• Rhizomes fragments also spread by water
  
• Tolerates fire and mowing

Low Risk Traits:

• A cold climate, temperate species that may only threaten higher elevation tropical islands
  
• Palatable to goats and possibly other livestock (especially when young)
  
• Non-toxic to animals, and edible to people
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control