It is an invasive species in countries including Australia, Japan and the United States.

The flowers are 6–10 centimetres (2.4–3.9 in) diameter, fragrant, with pure white petals and yellow stamens, and are followed by bright red and bristly hips 2–4 centimetres (0.79–1.57 in) diameter.

The species was introduced to the southeastern United States in about 1780, where it soon became naturalized, and was then given its English common name.

It is a non-indigenous invasive species that climbs over and smothers existing vegetation.

Though it has no connection to the Cherokee Nation, it is occasionally used as a symbol of Cherokee resistance following their eviction from the southern United States via the Trail of Tears.