Harsh Downy-rose
Rosa tomentosa
Rosa tomentosa, otherwise known as the harsh downy-rose, is a species of wild rose. It is a shrub growing to about 3 metres (10 ft).
54
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_tomentosa
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Rosales
Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Rosa
Harsh Downy-rose belongs to the family Rosaceae, order Rosales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Rosa tomentosa, otherwise known as the harsh downy-rose, is a species of wild rose. It is a shrub growing to about 3 metres (10 ft). It is found in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and much of Europe: the British Isles, France, Central Europe, northern Spain, Italy, and the Balkans . On the British Isles it can be found in hedgerows and woodland margins, and it typically flowers between June and July. Further south, in Bulgaria, it flowers in May.
Rosa tomentosa faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development, particularly affecting its specialized shrubland and woodland edge habitats. Hybridization with other Rosa species and invasive plant competition further threaten the genetic integrity and survival of remaining populations. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Occupies woodland edges, scrublands, hedgerows, and rocky slopes typically between 200-1500m elevation, preferring calcareous soils and semi-open habitats with moderate moisture. Found in temperate deciduous and mixed forests margins, often in areas with some human disturbance but not intensive agriculture.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Rosa tomentosa faces severe population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development, particularly affecting its specialized shrubland and woodland edge habitats. Hybridization with other Rosa species and invasive plant competition further threaten the genetic integrity and survival of remaining populations. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority.
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Competition from invasive plant species
Hybridization with other Rosa species
Overgrazing by livestock
Found in 54 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Harsh Downy-rose (Rosa tomentosa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/harsh-downy-rose