Pasture Rose -- Rosa carolina

Features: This shorter, drought-and-deer-resistant relative of Rosa blanda also features lovely pink blooms with yellow centers and serves as a host for the Apple Sphinx Moth caterpillar. It will form a loose thicket and grow in between other prairie plants.

The flowers’ pollen in sought by several types of bees, including bumblebees. Carolina’s bright red rosehips are high in vitamin C, providing a food source for birds and small mammals. The fruit can also be used to brew tea.

Light: Full to part sun

Soil: Dry, medium or moist soils

Height: 1-3 feet

Width: 5-10 feet

Blooms: June-August

See more information and photos at: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, Florida Native Plant Society and Illinois Wildflowers

Photos:1. MinnesotaWildflowers.info, others Possibility Place