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Brundage, Stephanie
Rosa carolina
Rosa carolina L.
Carolina Rose, Pasture Rose
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: roca4
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A low, freely suckering shrub, Carolina Rose grows 1-3+ ft. high. From thorny stems are borne fragrant, 2 in. wide, 5-petaled, pink flowers. Flowers occur singly or in small clusters. The fruit, a hip, turns from dark green to bright red as it ripens.
The Carolina Rose is a member of the rose family (family Rosaceae) which includes about 2,000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs worldwide; approximately 77 native and 9 naturalized tree species and many species of shrubs and herbs in North America.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall, often shorter.
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Red hip (mature floral tube) surrounding achenes.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Eastern U.S., w. to WI, IA, MO, extreme s.e. KS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Dry prairies; disturbed areas; sandy, open woods; thickets; roadsides
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist , Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rocky or sandy, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Though one of the most shade-tolerant roses, this species grows best in open, sunny locations. It is susceptible to fungal problems.
Benefit
Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Propagated by seed, cuttings or stolon division. Separate and transplant stems arising from the underground stolons in late fall or early spring. Make softwood cuttings in early spring after vigorous shoot growth has just started. Semi-hardwood cuttingSeed Collection: Collect seeds as soon as the hips have turned red in the late summer or early fall. Do not allow the seeds to dry out.
Seed Treatment: Remove seeds from pulpy hip. Seeds require stratification (3 months at 40 degrees) and may benefit from scarification.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 181 - Redwood Empire Wildflowers (1989) Young, D.K.Bibref 9 - Trees and Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens (1999) Grant, J.A. & C.L. Grant
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Rosa carolina in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rosa carolina in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rosa carolina
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-24Research By: TWC Staff