A few vibrant Beach Rose leaves have extended their visit into December to remind us of Autumn. They’ll leave soon and then the plant’s bright red rose hips will take center stage.
These hips are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants and harvested for food and cold remedies. Nonetheless, Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa) is designated by Maine as an invasive species.
The irony is that it was imported from Japan more than a century ago to stabilize erosion along New England beaches – which it does well, but it also turns into large, uncontrollable, and thorny barriers that are almost impossible to remove without harm to the shore. (Brooklin, Maine)