Swamp Rose
Rosa palustris
Rosa palustris means swamp rose. It is a many-branched shrub with gracefully arching branches. It grows to heights of up to 6 feet and occurs in swamps, marshes, and along stream banks in eastern North America. Its range extends from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, south to the Gulf of Mexico and east to Florida and the eastern coast of North America.
Swamp rose blooms in June through July and is very fragrant. It is insect pollinated, and the fleshy fruits (hips) enclose and protect the developing seeds. Birds eat the fruits and disseminate the seed.
Bark
Swamp rose has stout, curved thorns, approximately 1/4 inch long, with a flattened base.
Leaves
The leaves are pinnately compound and the leaflets (usually 7) are oval-lance-shaped, with finely toothed edges. They are smooth on the surface and slightly hairy along the midrib underneath.
Flowers
The flowers are very fragrant. They are solitary and pink, and bloom in June-July.
Fruits
The fleshy fruits (hips) are red, up to 1/2 inch thick, and may be either smooth or covered with minute hairs.