Rosa carolina (Carolina Rose)
Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15472773
Also known as Pasture Rose.
Carolina Rose is a low-growing, freely suckering native rose with thorny stems and single or clustered pink flowers. It produces rosehips that are popular with birds and can be used in teas since they have vitamin C content.
Carolina Rose is typically found in open woods, prairies, along roads and railroads, and in wet soils along streams and swamps and low areas. Although it is somewhat shade tolerant, it does best in full sun. It has dark green leaves that turn various shades of dull red in the fall. Carolina rose will tolerate high humidity without any resulting black spot.
As with all roses, it is best grown in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases.
AT A GLANCE
Texas native | Yes |
Water use | Low |
Sun exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Bloom color | Pink |
Bloom time | Late spring to early summer |
Mature height | 2-5 ft |
Mature spread | 3-4 ft |
Attracts | Birds, butterflies |
Thorns | Yes |
Notes | Native and Bumble bee friendly. Provides nesting material or site for native bees. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
Present in state |
Present in county and native |
Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
Not present in state |
Present and rare, native in county |
Previously present, now extinct |
Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |