Overview of the genus Rosa in Michigan

There are numerous species in the genus Rosa naturalized in Michigan, and identification is complicated by extensive hybridization. Roses with the smallest hips are the ones most widely consumed and dispersed by birds, and some are indicated in bold in the following list. While there is variety in the size and shape of seeds, many are similar.

Below are the species most likely to occur in our region.

This key at Michigan Flora lists the following, in addition to Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose):

• Rosa acicularis (Prickly Rose)-- native, found mostly in northern Michigan [range map]; large hips; elongate seeds
• Rosa arkansana (Prairie Rose) -- native [range map]; large round hips; angular seeds
• Rosa blanda (Smooth Rose, Early Wild Rose, Northern Prairie Rose) --native [range map]; large rounded hips; slightly elongated, angular seeds
• Rosa canina (Dog Rose) -- non-native [range map]; very large hips that are oblong and often orange; very angular seeds
• Rosa carolina (Pasture Rose) -- native [range map]; small red hips; small, angular seeds
• Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose) -- non-native [range map]
• Rosa cinnamomea (Cinnamon Rose) - -non-native [range map]; large elongated hips
• Rosa eglanteria (Sweetbriar) -- see R. rubiginosa
• Rosa gallica (French Rose) -- non-native [range map]; darkish angular seeds
• Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose) -- non-native [range map]; usually the smallest-hipped Rosa commonly found in natural areas, with seeds that are slightly larger and less numerous per hip than the native Rosa setigera. See Rosa multiflora species account) 
• Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose) -- native [range map]; small to medium dark red hips; small rounded seeds
• Rosa rubiginosa [eglanteria] (Sweetbriar) -- non-native [range map]; medium to large round hips; angular seeds
• Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose, Beach Rose, Japanese Rose) -- non-native [range map]; large round hips; rounded seeds
• Rosa setigera (Climbing Rose, Prairie Rose, Illinois Rose) -- native [range map]; small round hips. These hips are slightly larger than Multiflora Rose hips, but the seeds are smaller and more numerous.
• Rosa spinosissima (Scotch Rose, Scots Rose, Scotchbriar) -- non-native [range map]; large, round, usually black hips; angular seeds
• Rosa villosa (Apple Rose)-- non-native [range map]; medium to large hips; rounded seeds
• Rosa virginiana (Virginia Rose) -- native [range map]; large, round, orangish hips; darkish, slightly elongated seeds

See also identification tips in Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-alikes: an Identification Guide for the Mid-Atlantic (PDF) by the New York Botanical Garden.