This is a strange wild rose, or is it?

Commonly called a Robin's Pincushion. It is the plants reaction to the egg laying of a small wasp.

Is it really Ob!
isn't nature incredible.....

yep robin's pincushion. its a type of Gall. Don't get to see many these days. there used to be lots while I was small.

Doesn't happen on modern hybrids, tends to be restricted to the rugosa types - and sometimes, the 'pincushion' is yellow rather than red.

It must the a rugosa type rose, with a wasp nest close by, as I have never seen a normal rose on this plant over the last two years. It's a wild rose I walk past everyday when I walk the dog. Thanks for all your help.