dire rose
A variety of wild-growing rose with venom in its thorns.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Deciduous shrub growing 1-3' tall which blooms with five-petaled roses, usually pink or white. Stems and branches are covered in dense, sharp thorns up to 2" long.
Genetics and Reproduction
Reproduces through runners in summer and autumn, also produces flowers year round and ovoid, reddish-purple fruits in late spring and early summer.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Thorns produce a highly toxic venom which causes intense pain, blistering sores and the rapid degeneration of flesh. If consumed in small doses, causes indigestion, violent convulsions, bloody vomiting and can be lethal.
Scientific Name
Rosa acicularis carelica
Conservation Status
Uncommon, Least Concern
Geographic Distribution
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