Scotch Briar (Rosa spinosissima): Wild Burnet Rose

The Scotch Briar (Rosa spinosissima), also known as Burnet Rose, Wild Irish Rose, or Pimpinell Rose, is a dense, suckering species rose native to Europe and Asia. It bears small, single, creamy-white to pale pink flowers followed by distinctive black hips.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Species: spinosissima (spin-oh-SIS-ee-muh)
Synonyms: Rosa ulmifolia var. spinosa, Rosa myriacantha, Rosa pimpinellifolia, Rosa rubella, Rosa rupincola

This tough species thrives in poor, sandy soils and coastal conditions.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Dense, suckering shrub 3–5 feet. Fine, ferny foliage. Flowers 1–1.5 inches, single, creamy-white to pale pink, solitary or in pairs. Blooms once in late spring. Hips are round, black-purple, persistent.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Poor, sandy, well-drained; tolerant of salt.
• Watering: Low; very drought tolerant.
• Pruning: Minimal; remove dead wood.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9.

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardens, hedgerows, wildlife plantings, erosion control. The black hips are ornamental and feed birds.