Rosa carolina, commonly known as the Carolina rose,[2] pasture rose, or prairie rose, is a perennial shrub in the rose family native to eastern North America. It can be found in nearly all US states and Canadian provinces east of the Great Plains. It is common throughout its range and can be found in a wide variety of open habitats, from thickets and open woods to roadsides and along railroads.
| Rosa carolina | |
|---|---|
| |
| flowers and leaves | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Species: | R. carolina
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rosa carolina | |
Description
edit.jpg)
Rosa carolina is a perennial shrub.[3] The stems have straight, needle-like thorns, which distinguishes it from very similar species such as R. palustris and R. virginiana, which have curved thorns. The fragrant flowers emerge in early summer.[1] Blooms are about 6 to 8 centimeters (2.5 to 3 inches) in diameter, with five light pink petals and a yellow center. Flowers are typically borne singly on the ends of the current year's growth. There is no repeat bloom. The stems of the rose are upright, grayish in color on new growth, and brown on larger, older branches. Foliage is smooth and dark green. The plants proliferate by root spread. New growth will eventually become small to large thickets, anywhere from 0.5 to 1 m (18 to 40 inches) in height.[4][5]
Distribution and habitat
editThe Carolina rose is frequently found in a wide range of habitats, including dry soils, at the border of prairies, woodlands, and savannas, in thickets, in upland forested areas, and dunes. It also grows in wet soils along stream beds, swamps and low grassy areas. It has a wide range, from Nova Scotia, Canada, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Ontario.[4]
Cultivation
editThe Carolina rose can be cultivated. It needs full sun to moderate shade, well-drained soil and regular watering to thrive. The rose hips are edible, although very tart in flavor. The plant is attractive to several species of bees[4] and also provides nesting materials to them.[3]
References
edit
- ^ a b NatureServe (2006), "Rosa carolina", NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life, Version 6.1., Arlington, Virginia, retrieved 2007-06-13
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ NRCS. "Rosa carolina". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2021-11-26.
- ^ a b c Taylor, David. "Carolina rose". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ "Rosa Carolina". Missouri Botanical Gardens. Retrieved 31 July 2020.