Desert rose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desert rose |
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|---|---|
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| ssp. mirifica | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rosa
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| Species: |
stellata
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Rosa stellata is a special type of rose often called the desert rose, gooseberry rose, or star rose. It's a tough plant that grows in dry, rocky areas, especially in the southwestern United States.
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What is the Desert Rose?
The Rosa stellata is a unique kind of rose. It's known by several names, like the desert rose, gooseberry rose, or star rose. This plant is very hardy and can grow in tough, dry places.
Where Does This Rose Live?
You can find the desert rose growing in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. It likes dry, rocky spots, sometimes as high as 6,500 feet (about 1,980 meters) up mountains. It also grows in the mountain canyons of Arizona and New Mexico.
What Does the Desert Rose Look Like?
This rose has interesting leaves that are "trifoliate." This means each leaf is made up of three smaller leaflets. Its flowers are a beautiful deep rose-purple color. These pretty blossoms usually appear in the summer.
The stems and leaf stalks (called "petioles") have yellowish-white prickles. These are like small, sharp thorns that help protect the plant. The desert rose typically grows to be between 16 and 24 inches (about 40 to 60 centimeters) tall.
How Can We Use This Plant?
Rosa stellata can be used in gardens as a "groundcover." This means it spreads out low to the ground, covering an area. It can also grow as a small shrub.
It grows best when it gets some sunlight, but not too much direct sun all day. Some plant experts, called "horticulturists," think it's a "browse plant." This means animals like deer might eat its leaves or stems.
