Carolina rose Rosaceae Rosa carolina

Leaf:Alternate, pinnately compound, deciduous, 4-5 inches overall; 5 to 7 broadly elliptical leaflets, each 1/2 to 2 inches long, serrate, green and glabrous above and below, large comb-like stipules present at the base of the petiole.
Flower:Very showy and fragrant, initially bright pink then fading to nearly white, 2 inches across, 5-petalled; appearing singly (usually) or in small clusters in late spring to early summer.
Fruit:Shiny red, fleshy "hip" containing achenes, to 3/4 inch long; ripening late summer and persisting.
Twig:Moderate, initially green, turning red-brown or gray, bearing slender and straight prickles; buds red, rounded.
Bark:Light brown and may be spine-covered.
Form:A thicket-forming shrub, reaches 3 to 5 feet but more commonly 2 feet tall.

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