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Carolina Rose Rosa carolina by Sherri Rickman The pasture rose, also known as the Carolina rose, belongs to the Rose Family. Other names that are associated with the pasture rose are Low Rose or Wild Rose. The pasture rose is an ascending, deciduous vine that is comparable to an erect low shrub about 1 to 3 feet tall and scarcely branched. The stems are green to reddish and have slender straight prickles that are about a quarter-inch long. The dark green leaves of the plant are made up of 5 oval, toothed leaflets that are about 3 to 4 inches in size. The flowers bloom from May to July. They can be in clusters of 2 or 3 or they can be singular and they measure about 2 inches across. The color varies from pale pink to dark pink. The pasture rose develops fruits within each flower from August to October that become enclosed by the enlarged floral base to form an orange red to red hip about a half-inch in diameter that remains through the winter. The pasture rose is found in Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska, east to Florida, and north to Vermont and Wisconsin. Within this area the rose is found primarily in woodland margins, prairies, fencerows, and roadsides. When the petals of the flower fall off what remains are the rose hips. The rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C, having 60 times the concentration of lemons. Besides providing an excellent source of vitamin C they provide vitamins E and K, riboflavin, and folate. Rose hips help the body defend itself against infections like colds and flus, by stimulating the immune system. Rose hips contain an anti-inflammatory substance that is helpful in alleviating inflammation due to sore throats and skin irritations. The hip is also useful in treating diarrhea, and bladder and kidney problems because of its astringent properties. Hips help fight exhaustion, and ease stress and nervousness. Rose hips can be taken in the form of a capsule and can be bought in the United States. Rose hips can be preserved in the freezer and after several months of storing you can munch on them for a snack that will give quick energy. The hips remain on the plant for an extended period of time, providing a late season food source for wildlife. The flowers are also a great source of nectar for bees. In order to grow, the pasture rose has to be in a dry, often sandy or rocky area in thin woods. They readily spread by underground suckers and with time they cover large areas. The suckering tendencies give the wild rose the ability to flourish under severe conditions and make them well suited for rough areas and for stabilizing banks and slopes. The pasture rose is not intended for the formal garden because of its suckering tendencies. Although the pasture rose is not suited for formal gardens it can be cultivated. The propagation of the pasture rose is usually by seed stratification, division of suckers, or by cuttings. Seed stratification takes about 90 days. It is best introduced into a garden that has mature and well-established plants so that the competition will keep it in check. Written fall 2000, as a service learning project for Dr. Gary Coté's Biology 102 class at Radford University. Copyright Pathways for Radford. |
