Rosa carolina
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ROH-sah kay-roh-LEE-nah
- Description
-
Rosa carolina, commonly called pasture rose, occurs in both dryish and wet soils. It is typically found in glades, open woods, prairies, along roads and railroads, and in wet soils along streams and swamps and low areas. Grows from 3-5' tall (less frequently to 6') and often spreads by suckers to form colonies or thickets in the wild. Features single (5-petaled), pink flowers (to 2.5" across) which bloom in May. No repeat bloom. It has smooth, dark green foliage. Has red hips in late summer.
Best grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture and keep roots cool. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants (as practicable), and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough clean-up during winter (dormant season). Crowns appreciate protection in cold winter climates. Prune in late winter to early spring.
Seasons of Interest:
Blooms: Spring, summer Nut/Fruit/Seed: Fall
Remove the white, bitter base of the petals of the edible flowers before using to garnish desserts, freeze in ice cubes and float in punch. The petals can be used in syrup, jelly, butter, and spreads.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- Tags:



- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rosa
- Species:
- carolina
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- This plant was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.
- Wildlife Value:
- It provides excellent cover year round. Hips are eaten by songbirds, quail and wild turkey.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible fruit
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Wildlife Food Source
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerant.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Fine
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Red fruit displays from August to October.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 2 in., single, rich rose pink, fragrant flowers from May to June; red hips in fall.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gold/Yellow
- Hairs Present:
- No
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Recreational Play Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Edible Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds