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Cherokee Rose Wikimedia Commons
Rosaceae

Cherokee Rose

Rosa laevigata

Hope through tears.

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Rosa
Native to
China, Taiwan, Vietnam
Bloom season
Spring
Type
climbing shrub
Height
10-20 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, loamy
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The Cherokee Rose is the state flower of Georgia, despite being native to China and not North America.
  • According to Cherokee legend, the roses grew where mothers' tears fell along the Trail of Tears.
  • It was introduced to North America in the 1700s and naturalized so thoroughly that many thought it was native.
  • The large white blooms can reach up to 3 inches in diameter with a prominent yellow center.
  • Its thorny canes were historically used as natural fencing by Southern farmers.

Color meanings

0

hope

1

remembrance

2

resilience

Uses

  • ornamental climbing vine
  • natural fencing
  • cultural symbolism