Coastal Maine Berry Bushes Identified as Rosa rugosa Hips

What Are Those Berries Along the Maine Coast?

Observers saw berry bushes along the Maine coast, initially thinking bayberry. The expert asked about thorns; none were noticed. After research, the expert concluded they are likely Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose) hips.

Key Points

• Bayberry fruits are bluish-gray, not the observed color.
• Wild roses, especially Rosa rugosa, are common along Maine coastal highways.
• Rose hips are the seed pods following flowers; they are showy and often mistaken for berries.
• Thorns may have been overlooked on the rugged coastal plants.

Rosa rugosa is salt-tolerant, spreads aggressively, and produces large, vitamin C-rich hips used in teas and jams.