Climbing Rose

(Rosa spp.)

Interesting Information About Plant: 

While the sharp objects protruding out of the plant are commonly referred to as thorns, they are actually prickles growing from the plants epidermis layer.  Roses are commonly hybridized resulting in thousands of different rose species. 0f the many species of rose, the most common are garden plants grown horticulturally for their beautiful flowers.  The actual rose flowers have five petals and throughout early Christianity, the five petals were associated with the five wounds of Christ.  Roses are now commonly associated with the Virgin Mary.  Roses were considered sacred in Greek times, linked to many Greek gods and goddesses, primarily Venus and Isis.  Many luxurious perfumes are made from the essential oils from the rose plant.  Although they aren’t appetizing, rose hips, the plants berries, are sometimes eaten for their Vitamin C content.

Common Name: Climbing Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa spp.

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Rosaceae  Rose Family

Continent of Origin: No particular continent of origin could be found however roses are found throughout the northern hemisphere.

Most Distinguishing Morphological Features of This Plant: The most distinguishing morphological feature would be the beautifully colored flowers.

Plant Growth Habit: Shrub  

Height at Maturity: Between 3 – 10 Feet 

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat: Full Sun

Manner of Culture: Garden (flower)   /  Landscape Shrub-Vine-Tree  /  Weed

Thorns on Younger Stem? Yes  

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish   

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: Between The Diameter of a Pencil and a Broom-Handle 

Produces Brownish Bark? Yes

Bark Peeling in Many Areas? No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Lines Go Up-Down  

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Less than Length of a Credit Card 

Leaf Complexity: Pinnately Compound 

Shape of Leaf: Simple 

Edge of Leaf: Serrated

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate

Leaf has Petiole? Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins: Pinnate 

Leaf Hairiness: Somewhat Hairy 

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October: Slight browning in the fall 

Flowering Season: Spring  /  Summer 

Flowers: Single 

Type of Flower: Colorful Flower

Color of Flower: Multicolored 

Shape of Individual Flower: Radially Symmetrical 

Size of Individual Flower: Between a Quarter and the Length of a Credit

Sexuality: Male and Female on Same Plant

Size of Fruit: Smaller than a Quarter 

Fruit Fleshiness at Maturity: Fleshy  

Shape of Fruit: Spherical   

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Red    

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels? Yes   

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: Interesting stipules and thorns

Is the Plant Poisonous: None of Plant

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control)? Yes, can be weedy

Common Name(s):  Climbing Rose, Wild Rose

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One: Other wild or domestic roses.

Page prepared by:

Matt Galante

December, 2006