Carolina Rose
The Carolina Rose has fragrant pink flowers that appear in May and persist into July.
Rosa Carolina aka Carolina Rose and Pasture Rose is salt tolerant. Attracts birds, butterflies and bees. Good for rocky gardens or sandy well drained soils.
Carolina Rose Characteristics
Leaves: Shiny rich green turning to various shades of red in autumn.
Stem/Bark: Prickly needle-like thorns on branches. New growth and last seasons twigs are olive green.
Flower: Fragrant pink flowers appear in May and persist into July.
Fruit/Nut: Pear-shaped, hairy fruit persists through winter.
Habit: Deciduous shrub with erect branching that suckers and forms into thickets.
Hardiness: Zone 4
Height: 3’ – 6’
Width: 6’ – 12’
Why grow native plants?
A native plant is defined as a species of fauna that was already established before colonization. There are numerous benefits to the use of native plants. Native plants have grown and evolved in a given area for generations and therefore are more prepared to face the elements. As a result they are much hardier and less finicky to care for. The wildlife in the area has also evolved along side these plants, and because of this has formed bonds with them. Most butterflies have a specific plant species from which they collect nectar for their offspring.
There are many birds that will feed directly from local trees for seed, nectar or fruit, but won’t use the bird feeder you’ve bought to attract them. These plants also work together to grow as natural plant communities. Most of the trees won’t grow their leaves until after the wildflowers have had an adequate amount of time to flower before they’re covered by shade. Finally, of course, there is the fact that all of these plants and animals combine to make a sustainable, complete, functioning ecosystem. Why fight thousands of years of evolution?
Have questions about native plants? Post a comment Ian will get back to you.
