Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Rosa laevigata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The pear-shaped fruit is up to 4cm long, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds. Sugar can be extracted from the fruit, it is also used to ferment rose wine. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The pear-shaped fruit is up to 4cm long, but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds.; Sugar can be extracted from the fruit, it is also used to ferment rose wine.; Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky places at low altitudes. In open fields, farmland, or in scrub at elevations of 200 - 1600 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)