Laevigatae

laevigatae

Laevigatae, commonly represented by the species Rosa laevigata (the Cherokee Rose), is a robust climbing rose characterized by its glossy evergreen foliage and large, fragrant white blooms. Originally native to southern China and Taiwan, this vigorous scrambler has successfully naturalized in many warm-temperate regions globally, particularly in the southeastern United States where it is celebrated as Georgia's state flower. It plays an important role in local ecosystems by providing dense nesting cover for birds and abundant nectar for native pollinators.

Habitat: Commonly found growing along forest edges, roadsides, fence lines, and riparian areas in warm-temperate climates.

Appearance

This climbing woody shrub features long, arching green branches armed with stout, hooked prickles. Its compound leaves typically contain three highly glossy, elliptic leaflets with finely serrated margins. In late spring, it produces solitary, single-petaled flowers measuring 6 to 10 centimeters across, showcasing pure white petals surrounding a dense, golden-yellow center of numerous stamens. The subsequent fruits (hips) are distinctively pear-shaped and covered in stiff bristles.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusRosa

Laevigatae

Interesting facts

The Cherokee Rose is famously associated with the Trail of Tears, where legend says the flowers grew wherever a mother's tear fell.

The hips are traditionally harvested in East Asia to prepare a tonic tea used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties.

Unlike most wild roses which have five to nine leaflets per leaf, the Laevigatae section typically has leaves with only three highly polished leaflets.

Special abilities

Utilizes sharp, downward-curved prickles along its stems to anchor onto neighboring trees and structures, allowing it to climb up to ten meters to reach sunlight.

Possesses an exceptionally thick, waxy cuticle on its leaves that minimizes water loss during dry spells and provides a physical barrier against fungal pathogens.

Produces hips covered in sharp, stiff bristles that protect developing seeds from premature predation by soft-bodied herbivores.

Measurements & details

Length: 200+ cm
Lifespan: 10+ years

Diet & Feeding

As a plant, it creates its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose while absorbing minerals from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil nutrients

Ecological connections

mutualism

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees visit the large white flowers to collect pollen, serving as primary pollinators.

mutualism

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Birds feed on the ripe, vitamin C-rich hips during the winter months, helping to disperse the seeds across new areas.

eaten by

Japanese Beetle

Popillia japonica

Adult beetles voraciously feed on the leaves and delicate white petals during the summer.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

Rosa laevigataThree-leaved Rose

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Laevigatae?

The easiest way to identify Laevigatae is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Laevigatae?

200+ cm

How long does Laevigatae live?

10+ years

What does Laevigatae eat?

As a plant, it creates its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose while absorbing minerals from the soil.

Where is Laevigatae usually found?

Commonly found growing along forest edges, roadsides, fence lines, and riparian areas in warm-temperate climates.