Pasture Rose
Rosa carolina
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Pl. 4025 — Rosa carolina
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IOverview
Overview
Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina) is a native subshrub found in the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico, thriving from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Quebec and Ontario. Known for its edible flowers, fruits, and seeds, it can be grown in various habitats such as pastures and woodlands. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, tolerates dry to moist conditions, and thrives in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH ranging from 4 to 7. With a height of about 1.5 meters and hardiness zones 4-8, Pasture Rose is both ornamental and useful for its edible parts.
Quick answers
What is Pasture Rose?
Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina) is a native subshrub found in the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico, thriving from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Quebec and Ontario. Known for its edible flowers, fruits, and seeds, it can be grown in various habitats such as pastures and woodlands.
What is Pasture Rose used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Pasture Rose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Pasture Rose has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for skin health. A topical preparation from the petals and fruits may help soothe minor irritations and promote healing.
The presence of anthocyanins and other polyphenols in Rosa carolina can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, which may contribute to its use in supporting healthy skin conditions. However, specific mechanisms for Pasture Rose are not fully characterised.
- Pasture Rose, like other Rosa species, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support immune function. A decoction made from the flowers and fruits may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments.
Rosa carolina contains flavonoids such as quercetin and catechins which have antioxidant properties that can enhance immune response by protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting immune cell function. However, specific mechanisms for Pasture Rose are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Pasture Rose support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows well in light, medium, or heavy soil types but performs best with a pH between 4 and 7. This subshrub can reach heights of 1.5 meters and is hardy in zones 4-8. For propagation, use cuttings from the plant. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, fruit, and seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
4–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Pasture Rose for the first time
8steps
Start with Pasture Rose by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A shovel, garden gloves, and a watering can or hose.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a pH between 4 and 7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or divide an existing plant in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune in late winter before new growth starts, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. Harvest flowers for decorative purposes or fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitSeed
Edible uses: The Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina) is edible and can be enjoyed in various forms. Its flowers, fruits, and seeds are all usable. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make a light tea. Fruits, often called rose hips, are typically consumed dried or cooked into jams and syrups. Seeds can be roasted for a nutty flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Tennessee, Kansas, Prince Edward I., Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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