// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Carolina rose

Rosa carolina var. carolina

Carolina rose (Rosa carolina var. carolina) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 36 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Carolina rose (Rosa carolina var. carolina) — *Rosa carolina var. carolina* — Carolina rose. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Carolina rose (Rosa carolina var. carolina) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms May–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, carolina rose pairs naturally with: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra).