Rosa rugosa

Beach Rose

The beach rose (Rosa rugosa), is a deciduous shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae), originally from East Asia, but established in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The shrub typically grows between 1 and 2 metres tall and spreads by stolons, giving it the ability to colonise areas quickly. It is characterised by its large, fragrant flowers, which are pink or white in colour and bloom in summer and autumn. The leaves are dark green and wrinkled, which gives the shrub its name. After flowering, the plant produces bright red rose hips that are rich in vitamin C and are often used in teas and jams. The potato rose is resistant to many diseases that affect other rose species and can adapt to a wide range of soil and light conditions, which promotes its spread.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Due to its rapid growth and dense stocking, Rosa rugosa can suppress native plant species, especially in dune areas and coastal habitats. The endangered native species include the burnett rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia). In addition, hybrids occur with native species, such as the dog rose (Rosa canina) or Rosa caesia.

Region of origin

China, North East Asia

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Rosa rugosa was introduced as an ornamental plant and used in rose cultivation.

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the seeds of the beach rose and excrete them in their droppings in other places. This allows the seeds to be spread over greater distances.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The rose family (Rosaceae) comprises about 90 genera with about 3000 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Characteristic are their often five-petalled, radially symmetrical flowers and the diverse fruit forms, which range from aggregate fruits to rose hips. Many species are economically important as fruit, nut and ornamental plants, including apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and of course roses.

Climate change

Rosa rugosa has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, altitude, winter temperature, road infrastructure and summer precipitation.

Positive effects

Rosa rugosa is used in Europe and China in herbal medicine and for the production of vitamin C-rich food supplements. The plant is also used in pharmacology because of its anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Rosa rugosa where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.