How to identify Carolina rose (Rosa carolina)

How to identify Carolina rose (Rosa carolina)

Carolina rose, also known as Prairie rose

Carolina rose features as a deciduous shrub with woody stems, exhibiting a versatile growth habit, ranging from a low-profile 6 inches (15 cm) to a more substantial 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height and spreading 1 to 5 feet (30 cm to 1.5 meters) in width. The plant is recognized for its characteristic rose family attributes, including its foliage and floral structure. It possesses simple leaves, typically pinnately compound with serrated margins. The blooms are emblematic of its genus, with five petals, and display a subtle coloration, leading to conspicuous fruits known as hips, which persist into late seasons.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Carolina rose

Woody stems range from 6 inches to 5 feet in height.

Distinct rose pink flowers with 5 petals and bright yellow stamens.

Vibrant red hips, 0.3 to 0.6 inches in diameter, persist into winter.

Oddly pinnate compound leaves with 5-7 ovate leaflets, serrated margins.

Thin stems with opposite pairs of prickles, turning brown with maturity.

Detailed Traits of Carolina rose

Leaf Features

Carolina rose features alternate compound leaves with an oddly pinnate arrangement, typically comprising 5 to 7 ovate leaflets, although occasionally only 3. The leaflets have serrate margins and measure approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. The central stem (rachis) displays a covering of fine hairs. These key characteristics offer distinct identification markers for carolina rose.

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Flower Features

The flowers of carolina rose are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, showcasing a rich rose pink color, which can occasionally be white. Each single bloom contains bright yellow stamens and a prominent pistil at their wide, flat centers. Displaying a typical rose fragrance, the flowers appear from May to June. They grow on pedicles covered in glandular hairs, accompanied by green pointed sepals also adorned with glandular hairs.

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Stem Features

The stem of carolina rose is characterized by narrow, straight prickles, often appearing in opposite pairs or scattered. Young stems are smooth, showcasing a green-pink or red hue, which transitions to brown as they age. The stems are thin and straight, contributing to their delicate appearance. Key features include the unique prickles and the smooth texture of the youthful stems, which become tougher and darker with maturity. The stem can reach a length of approximately 2 feet (60 cm).

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Fruit Features

The fruit of carolina rose is a notable, showy red, developing its vibrant hue from late summer through autumn. Shaped like small round orbs, these fruits are typically known as 'hips', measuring about 0.3 to 0.6 inches (8 to 15 mm) in diameter. Their fleshy and smooth exterior encases numerous tiny, hairy seeds. The persistent fruits add visual interest to the plant long after the blooms have faded, often lasting into the winter months. These characteristics make them easily identifiable and an important food source for wildlife.

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Carolina rose and Their Similar Plants

China rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

The china rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy to see why the china rose was chosen as the basis for many rose hybrids.

Multiflora rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an ornamental climbing shrub native to East Asia. The specific epithet 'multiflora' means 'many flowers' and refers to the great number of flowers the plant produces. The flowers are usually white, but some pink varieties can be found. Multiflora rose is considered a noxious weed in certain parts of the world.

Rugosa rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

This tall shrub is known for its hardiness, surviving in many climate zones and poor soil conditions. They produce large flowers from summer to winter and their hips attract birds (and are tasty to humans too!). With such beautiful flowers one might be surprised to hear that the rugosa rose is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Lady banks's rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

Lady banks's rose is a species of rose with pale yellow flowers which is popularly planted in gardens worldwide. The largest specimen of lady banks's rose (Rosa banksiae) in the world is in Tombstone, AZ. This is where the famous “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” took place. A clipping that eventually became the bush was sent over from Scotland in 1885, making this rose over 130 years old.

Burnet rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

Burnet rose (Rosa spinosissima) is one of the thorniest wild rose species. "Spinosissima," in fact, means "the most thorny" in Latin - this delicate white rose is great to look at, but not to pick! Burnet roses are native to Europe and northern Africa, though they have been introduced to New England and much of the Midwest in the U.S.

Apple rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

The apple rose is a densely branched, compact shrub that grows to heights of 1.5 to 2 m and often forms underground runners. The bark of the branches are dark brown and smooth. The bark of the younger branches is reddish, slightly frosted and mostly velvety soft hairy.

Swamp Rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

Swamp Rose is a shrubby member of the rose family native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 2 m tall and just as wide. It works well as a flowering hedge for areas with rich, moist soils. Blooms in summer and prefers full sun. Attracts birds and butterflies.

Climbing rose vs. Carolina rose: What's The Difference?

With a widespread distribution in North America, the climbing rose is a medium-sized shrub that can climb through its hooked thorns. Thus, its common name is Climbing rose, as it needs support and is excellent to plant on fences and along highways. The light pink flowers attract wildlife such as birds, bees, and insects.

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Key Facts About Carolina rose

Attributes of Carolina rose

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

30 cm to 91 cm

Spread

1.5 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Flower Size

3 cm to 6 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Burgundy

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Scientific Classification of Carolina rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Roses

Species

Carolina rose (Rosa carolina)

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Distribution Map of Carolina rose

Carolina rose is primarily native to the eastern regions of North America. Its range has expanded beyond its natural habitat, having been introduced to regions in northern Europe. The species is also cultivated across various locales, indicative of its adaptability and ornamental value.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Carolina rose How to Grow and Care for Carolina rose