Apple-scented roses

Another visit to the lovely downs above Lydden, and more signs of autumn are evident.
One of my obsessive habits is crushing and sniffing rose leaves, to check if the plant is a Dog Rose or a Sweet Briar. The latter smell strongly of apple, rather surprising if you're expecting rose perfume.
The scent seems to come from the tiny nodules on the edges of leaves, and along the stalks.
This rose is also known as Eglantine, which sounds rather romantic.......

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.

..... until you find out that it derives from the French "aiglant" meaning thorny.

Pause for the usual cliches about roses between thorns.....



By the way, in case you're wondering, the poem isn't one of mine. It's out of copyright though.