About Rosa bracteata H.L.Wendl.
Commonly known as Macartney rose, Rosa bracteata H.L.Wendl. is native to southern China and Taiwan. It was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant, and is now classified as an invasive species across many U.S. states. This rose species is a perennial evergreen shrub that typically grows in clumped distributions. It can reach up to 10 feet (304.8 cm) in both height and width. Rosa bracteata is highly adaptable, and grows well in heavily disturbed areas. Its known habitats include pastures, rangeland, drainage ditches, roadsides, and fence lines. It prefers dark, waterlogged, clay-based soils. In the United States, it occurs only within the lower 48 states, with most populations concentrated in the southeastern region of the country. Documented states where it can be found include Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland. This species is dispersed by animals. When livestock, birds, and other herbivores eat its fruit, the seeds pass through the animals' digestive tracts to germinate in new locations.
