| Virginia rose | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Species: | R. virginiana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rosa virginiana | |
Rosa virginiana, commonly known as the Virginia rose,[2] common wild rose or prairie rose, is a woody perennial in the rose family native to eastern North America, where it is the most common wild rose.[3] It is deciduous, forming a suckering shrub up to 2 metres in height, though often less. The stems are covered in numerous hooked prickles. The leaves are pinnate, usually with between 7 and 9 glossy leaflets. The pink flowers are borne singly or in small clusters and appear over a long period in midsummer. The fruits are small, round and bright red, rich in vitamin C and edible, being both used to make jams and tea.[4] It grows in clearings, thickets, and shores.[5] The plant attracts birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.[6]
Charles and Bridget Quest-Ritson describe R. virginiana as "the best all-rounder among the wild roses", and draw attention to its leaf coloration in the fall: "the whole plant turns yellow, orange, scarlet, crimson and brown for weeks on end".[7]
In cultivation, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[8]