Swamp rose (Rosa palustris, Arbust. Amer.: 135 (1785))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Marshall

Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 135 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rosa

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Swamp Rose, scientifically known as Rosa palustris, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. First described by Marshall in the bibliographical work “Arbust. Amer.” in 1785, this plant has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Native to regions ranging from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina, and extending further into the Eastern United States, the Swamp Rose thrives in wet, swampy environments. This hardy species is perfectly adapted to the moist, nutrient-rich conditions of its habitat.

Swamp Roses are characterized by their beautiful, fragrant blooms which typically exhibit a delicate pink hue. These flowers usually emerge in late spring and continue to bloom throughout the summer, offering a spectacular display of color and attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The plant itself can grow as a shrub, reaching heights of up to 6-8 feet. Its branches are adorned with spiny thorns, a common trait among rose species, and its leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of several smaller leaflets that provide a lush green backdrop for the vibrant flowers.

In addition to its ornamental value, Rosa palustris also plays a significant ecological role. The dense thickets formed by this plant provide essential shelter and breeding grounds for various wildlife species. Furthermore, the rose hips that develop after the flowers fade offer a nutritious food source for birds and small mammals during the colder months.

Cultivating the Swamp Rose in garden settings can replicate parts of its native habitat. Gardeners often plant it in areas with ample moisture, such as near ponds or along the edges of streams. The plant’s resilience and minimal maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for naturalistic landscaping and restoration projects aimed at sustaining local biodiversity.

In conclusion, the Swamp Rose is not only a strikingly beautiful plant but also a vital component of its natural ecosystem. Its historical documentation by Marshall underscores its longstanding significance, encouraging continued appreciation and conservation efforts for this remarkable species.

Common Names

Deu: sumpf-rose
Eng: swamp rose, marsh rose
Swe: sumpros
Fra: rosier palustre, églantier
En: Swamp rose, Marsh rose
Fr: Rosier palustre, Églantier
De: Sumpf-Rose
Sv: Sumpros

Synonyms

• Rosa carolina var. inermis (Regel)
• Rosa floridana (Rydb.)
• Rosa lancifolia (Small)
• Rosa carolina var. alba (Raf.)
• Rosa palustris var. nuttalliana (Rehder)
• Rosa enneaphylla (Raf.)
• Rosa palustris f. alba ((Raf.) W.H.Lewis)
• Rosa palustris var. aculeata ((Schuette) Erlanson)
• Rosa palustris f. inermis ((Regel) W.H.Lewis)
• Rosa palustris f. nuttalliana ((Rehder) Rehder)
• Rosa palustris var. sepalorelevata ((Schuette) Erlanson)
• Rosa palustris var. inermis (Schuette ex Erlanson)
• Rosa palustris f. plena (W.H.Lewis)
• Rosa carolina sepalorelevata (Schuette)
• Rosa obtusiuscula (Rydb.)
• Rosa carolina aculeata (Schuette)
• Rosa elegans (Raf.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

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

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

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

Fruit

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Denis Fedosov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Grand Empire Of Ohio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by stephen wright (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Dan Bossé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Terri McCallum (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2021 by Richard Wilkens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Amélie Lampron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Amélie Lampron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Denis Fedosov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Grand Empire Of Ohio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Amélie Lampron (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 23, 2022 by brunhildethebonny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by stan sperlak (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30140073-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3004297)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rosa palustris Marshall)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Subshrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.0