Mapping is provisional. This is reported mostly from the upper midwest, Ozarks, central Ohio Valley and central Appalachian regions (K; Ladd & Thomas 2015). It appears close to allegheniensis, and might be included in a broad species concept (FNA 9); these taxa have similar distributions in Ky. However, Widrlechner (1998) has revised the concept of alumnus to include some taxa that have generally been treated within section Arguti (e.g. bellobatus). R. alumnus has glanudlar inflorescences with relatively broad summits, relatively large flowers (2-4 cm broad) and large-fruits (1.5-2 cm long); its ovate terminal primocane leaves may also be distinctive (Ladd & Thomas 2015),. It tends to occur in relatively dry, open areas; As interpreted by F, alumnus has sometimes been cultivated, being the "source of several horticultural varieties", which has led to some increase in its total range. Named cultivars are mostly polyploids from northeastern regions and some may be referred to the exceptionally robust, broad-leafleted plants known as R. rosa Bailey, which was included by F but retained as a distinct species by H.A. Davis (SC), Widrlechner (1998), Ladd & Thomas (2015) and others.