Japanese Rose is a
non-native invasive
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in sand dunes and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Japanese Rose, or 'Beach Rose', has large scented flowers and attractive glossy prominently-veined foliage. The flowers are usually a deep pink, but may be pastel-pink or white, with prominent yellow anthers. Japanese Rose was introduced to the UK from the eighteenth century onwards, as a garden ornamental, from East Asia - where it grows naturally as a beach plant. In recent years, Japanese Rose has been used in public parks and on roadsides to stabilise the soil. The plant grows wild in the UK as an 'escape'.
Botanic classification and naming: Japanese Rose is a member of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. The genus name
'Rosa' identifies the plant as a Rose and its species name 'rugosa' means 'wrinkled (leaves)'.
Concerns: Japanese Rose produces dense foliage that blocks light from the ground and precludes the growth of other species. It spreads rapidly by suckers and outcompetes native species. Japanese Rose is listed as an 'invasive non-native' plant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), prohibiting it from being planted, or caused to grow, in the wild. This would include, for example, introduction into the wild through the disposal of roots, plant material and seeds in garden waste or contaminated soil.
Benefits: Japanese Rose has nectar-rich and pollen-rich flowers that attract a wide range of insect pollinators. Its dense foliage also provides birds with shelter, and the rosehips bear seeds as a food source.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|