Lookalike guide
Japanese rose vs Dog rose
On Gower dunes and cliffs, both roses grow near each other.
Dog rose (Rosa canina): Native hedgerow rose.
| Feature | Japanese rose | Dog rose |
|---|---|---|
| Thorns | Dense straight bristles all over the stem | Few, hooked thorns |
| Leaves | Deeply wrinkled, dark green | Smooth |
| Hips | Big, round, tomato-like | Small, oval |
Quick test
Bristly stems and wrinkled leaves mean Japanese rose.