Cherokee Rose

Rosa laevigata

Physical Characteristics

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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Southern China from Sichuan and Hubei to Taiwan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. The pear-shaped fruit is up to 4cm long[200], but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds[K]. Sugar can be extracted from the fruit, it is also used to ferment rose wine[266]. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement[102, 183]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Anticholesterolemic Astringent Cancer Carminative Depurative Diuretic Dysentery Emmenagogue Infertility Kidney Stomachic Urinary Vulnerary The leaves are a famous vulnerary[218]. The fruits, root and leaves are emmenagogue and depurative[147]. Their use stabilizes the kidneys[147]. A decoction is used in the treatment of chronic dysentery, urinary tract infections, wet dreams, prolapse of the uterus, menstrual irregularities and traumatic injuries[147]. The root bark is astringent and used in the treatment of diarrhoea and menorrhagia[218]. The dried fruits are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, astringent, carminative, diuretic and stomachic[176, 178, 218, 238]. They are used internally in the treatment of urinary dysfunction, infertility, seminal emissions, urorrhoea, leucorrhoea and chronic diarrhoea[238]. The root is used in the treatment of uteral prolapse[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of dysentery and to restore hair cover[218]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

Known Hazards

There is a layer of hairs around the seeds just beneath the flesh of the fruit. These hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested.