Rosa laevigata – The Cherokee Rose (Species)

Rosa laevigata (Species / Wild Rose)

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Rosa

Species

laevigata

Common Names

Cherokee Rose, Camellia Rose, Snow-White Rose

Synonyms

Rosa amygdalifolia, Rosa argyi, Rosa cucumerina, Rosa hystrix, Rosa nivea

Native to China and Taiwan, Rosa laevigata is a vigorous, evergreen climbing species rose naturalized across the southeastern United States, where it is the state flower of Georgia. It bears large, single, pure white flowers (3–4 inches across) with a prominent boss of golden stamens in early spring. The blooms are lightly fragrant. Its most distinctive feature is its glossy, trifoliate, evergreen leaves that persist year-round in mild climates. This rampant climber can reach 20–30 feet, making it suitable for covering large structures or naturalizing in wild areas.