This species belongs to the same group as R. infectoria and R. saxatilis, and is a deciduous shrub up to 4 or 6 ft high, the side branchlets spine-tipped. It is distinguished from both its allies by the very hairy leaf-stalk. The largest leaves are 2 in. long by 1 in. wide, the smallest 1⁄2 in. long; oval, more or less downy beneath, and with usually three, sometimes four pairs of veins converging towards the apex. Fruits black, top-shaped.
Native of S.E. Europe; introduced in 1820, but of little garden value.