Wild rose, Pasture rose, Carolina rose
Rosa carolina
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A low shrub. It grows 1-1.5 m high. The branches are slender and arch over. They have stiff hairs and curving spines. The leaves are compound with 3-9 leaflets. They are alternate and fall off during the year. Each leaflet is widest near the middle. They are 2-4 cm long. They are pointed at the tip and have teeth along the edge. The flowers occur singly. They have 5 pink petals. The fruit are round and red and fleshy. They are 5-10 mm across. They contain several small seeds.
There are about 150 Rosa species and many cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open woodlands and on the edge of fields. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are processed into syrup or jam. The flower petals are used in tossed salads or made into jelly or wine. The leaves are washed and dried and used for tea.
Edible parts
Fruit, hips, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.