Carolina rose (Rosa carolina, Sp. Pl.: 492 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 492 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rosa

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NE. Mexico

Description

Carolina rose, known scientifically as Rosa carolina, is a charming and resilient perennial plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. This notable species was formally described and cataloged by L. in the seminal botanical work “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

Indigenous to a broad swath of North America, the Carolina rose can be found from the eastern regions of Canada all the way down to northeastern Mexico. This adaptability to various climates and soils highlights its hardiness and versatility. Typical habitats for the Carolina rose include fields, open woods, and roadsides, where it thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions.

Visually, the Carolina rose is cherished for its delightful, fragrant flowers that range from light pink to deep rose in color and appear in late spring to early summer. The blooms provide a striking contrast against the plant’s dark green, pinnate leaves that are typical of the genus Rosa. Each flower features a classic five-petal structure surrounding vibrant yellow stamens, a hallmark of many wild roses.

As an aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance plant, Rosa carolina is often utilized in landscaping and naturalization projects. Its robust nature and appealing flowers make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its nectar-rich blossoms.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Carolina rose holds ecological importance due to its role in supporting wildlife. Birds and small mammals are known to feed on its bright red rose hips, which are also a source of vitamin C for humans and can be harvested for use in teas and preserves.

Overall, the Carolina rose is a quintessential representation of the beauty and resilience found in native North American flora. Its historical significance, ecological contributions, and ornamental appeal make it a treasured plant among botanists and gardeners alike.

Common Names

Eng: carolina rose, pasture rose
Deu: carolina-rose
Dan: karolina-rose
Swe: carolinaros, karolinaros
Fra: rosier de caroline
Nno: sumprose
Nob: sumprose
En: Carolina rose, Pasture rose
Ar: ورد كاروليني
Da: Karolina-rose
Fi: Karoliinanruusu, Carolinanruusu
Fr: Rosier de Caroline
De: Carolina-Rose
Ml: റോസ കരോലിന
Nb: Sumprose
Nn: Sumprose
Fa: رز چراگاه
Pl: Róża karolińska
Ru: Шиповник каролинский
Sv: Carolinaros, Karolinaros

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2016 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2016 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2016 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Lindroos Kristian (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by Acqua Chiara (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3006171)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:731982-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rosa carolina L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.0