Classification Hierarchy
Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Tracheophyta
Superdivision Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Subclass Rosidae
Order Rosales
Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa
Species Rosa blanda
Meadow rose

Date: XXXXXXXX 2010. Location: XXXXXXXXX(map)

USDA Plant Profile Flora of N. America

Scientific Name: Rosa blanda

Common Name: Meadow rose, Smooth rose

Origin: Native

Notes: The lack or scarcity of prickles on the upper stems is a convenient identification feature of this species. It is most often found in prairie remnants, roadside populations, and woodland slopes. Some publications recognize two varieties of R. blanda. ITIS recognizes only one (see ref. #12).

Additional references: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Field Marks for Identification:

Flowers: pink; pedicels and hypanthia glabrous; sepals are spreading or upright (porrect) and persist in fruit.

Leaves: on flowering shoots with 5-7 leaflets; stipules may be glandular or eglandular.

Stems: upper stems with few or no prickles, lower (older) stems may or may not have acicular prickles.

Glossaries of botanical terms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

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