It is a species of wild rose with a Holarctic distribution in northern regions of Asia,[3] Europe,[4] and North America.

Its native habitats include thickets, stream banks, rocky bluffs, and wooded hillsides.

Botanical authorities have listed it as tetraploid and hexaploid in North America (subsp.

This native rose species of the northern Great Plains is the provincial flower of Alberta.

The hips, which stay on the plant through winter, are reported to be high in vitamins A and C. Native Americans made tea and salad from the leaves, and used the inner bark to smoke tobacco.