Family: Rosaceae
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
