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Native Plant Society of Texas

White Prairie Rose

Rosa foliolosa

Other common name(s):

Leafy Rose

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Texas Blackland Prairies
Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands
Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

.5
to
1
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Clay, Limestone, Calcareous, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Berry, Fall Color, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

High heat tolerance. The individual stems are short-lived and the oldest of them should be regularly removed. Can be used for beds and borders, hedge, rock garden, shrub or specimen. It grows by rhizomes, but remains relatively compact. Normally a small bush but will grow taller with more water. Propagation: seed, softwood cutting, hardwood cutting.

Comments

Blooms March-June. Unlike other roses, stems have few to no prickles. Five-petalled blossoms are white to pink. Foliolosa means profusely leafed. Leaves are divided into nine tiny leaflets, that provide fall color. The red fruit is call a “hip” and persists summer through fall.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Rosa ignota

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Root Division It can be planted deeper and filled with soil to the roots so that new roots can grow at the bottom of each branch. At the same time, prune the branches on the ground to reduce the evaporation of water and improve the survival rate of transplanting. In the early spring or late autumn, the whole plant can be dug out with soil to be divided into ramets. Select a stem with 1-2 branches and some fibrous roots, and then separate it from the whole plant https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Rosa_foliolosa.html
Stem Cutting The substrate for cutting can be a mix of river sand, rice chaff ash, or vermiculite, etc. Insert the branches into the substrate, shade it properly, and spray to maintain humidity. The branches will take root 20-30 days after cutting, and the survival rate is 70-80%. If the branches are dipped in rooting powder and then inserted into the substrate, the survival rate will be higher. Additionally, the cuttings can be immersed in water for cutting; the cutting temperature is 20 to 25 ℃, and new roots will grow after 20 days. Take cutting in spring and autumn. Branches with 3-4 buds can be cut off to use. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Rosa_foliolosa.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason