A species of rose native to western, central and southern Europe (north to Iceland and Norway) and northwest Africa. It is generally restricted to sand dunes or limestone pavements and typically has a coastal distribution when not on limestone.
It is a rather low erect deciduous plant usually from 20-140 cm high but sometimes up to 2 metres. It spreads by suckers and can cover large areas. The stems have very numerous stiff bristles and many straight spines. The young stems and spines and the mature leaves tend to be very red with young growth a bright scarlet and older growth a deep maroon.
The flowers are cream-white (although rarely) also pale pink. They are 2 - 4cm diameter with five petals, which produce a distinctive globular dark purple to black hips.
It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
