Native Plant Alternatives to Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)

Rosa rugosa, also known as rugosa rose, beach rose, or Japanese rose, is native to eastern Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Japan. It’s a tough and hardy shrub that is resistant to many pests and diseases and can grow in a variety of soil conditions.

However, in some parts of the world where it has been introduced, such as the northeastern United States, eastern Canada, and northern Europe, Rosa rugosa has become invasive. Its ability to spread via suckers (new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant) and its tolerance to harsh conditions, including salty coastal environments, make it capable of forming dense thickets that can outcompete and displace native plant species.

Furthermore, the rugosa rose produces large hips (fruit) that are eaten by birds, who then disperse the seeds, aiding in its spread.

So, while Rosa rugosa may be desirable for its beauty and resilience, it is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need less fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.