Carolina Rose
Rosa carolina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rosa carolina (Carolina Rose) is a native shrub blooming May through July across eastern and central United States. This adaptable rose attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles while tolerating various growing conditions.
Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Carolina Rose as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina rose is a native shrub that produces fragrant pink flowers from late spring through summer, followed by bright red hips in fall. This adaptable plant spreads by underground runners to form colonies and provides year-round interest with its thorny stems and colorful fruit.
Growing Carolina Rose
Grow Carolina Rose in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Rose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively by runners
- Thorny stems may be considered safety hazard
- Can look scraggly without regular pruning
Wildlife value
Host plant for spring azure, gray hairstreak.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long blooming season. Birds feed on the nutritious rose hips in fall and winter, while the dense thorny growth provides nesting sites and shelter.
Common questions
- When does Rosa carolina bloom?
- Carolina Rose blooms from May through July, producing fragrant pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Rosa carolina?
- Carolina Rose attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- Where is Rosa carolina native?
- Carolina Rose is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Nebraska and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Rosa carolina prefer?
- Carolina Rose is adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is Carolina Rose toxic to dogs?
- Carolina Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Carolina Rose toxic to cats?
- Carolina Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Carolina Rose toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Rose as toxic to livestock.
- Is Carolina Rose HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Rose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Carolina Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz