Carolina Rose is a low, suckering native rose growing 1–3 feet tall in dry to moist open habitats across eastern North America. It produces fragrant pink flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by small, round, bright-red rose hips that persist through winter. Unlike many roses, it thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils. Carolina Rose provides important food and cover for wildlife throughout the year and is excellent for stabilizing eroding slopes.
Habitat
Found in dry to moist open woodlands, prairies, roadsides, and rocky or sandy hillsides.
Diet
Rose hips consumed by birds and small mammals through fall and winter; flowers provide nectar for native bees.
How common
Common
Recent Carolina Rose sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Carolina Rose? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free