[3] It is deciduous, forming a suckering shrub up to 2 metres in height, though often less.

The pink flowers are borne singly or in small clusters and appear over a long period in midsummer.

The fruits are small, round and bright red, rich in vitamin C and edible, being both used to make jams and tea.

[6] Charles and Bridget Quest-Ritson describe R. virginiana as "the best all-rounder among the wild roses", and draw attention to its leaf coloration in the fall: "the whole plant turns yellow, orange, scarlet, crimson and brown for weeks on end".

[7] In cultivation, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.