Cherokee Rose
Rosa laevigata
Family: Rosaceae · Also called Georgia Rose, Rosa laevigata, Climbing Cherokee, Rosa triphylla, Rosa hystrix, Rosa cucumerina
Citrus & Bright · Spring bloomer
The Cherokee rose is deceptive in its simplicity, large, single white flowers with five pristine petals surrounding a burst of golden stamens, borne on a vigorous, thorny climbing vine. Its beauty lies in that simplicity: pure white against glossy dark green leaves, blooming in great abundance each spring along roadsides and fence lines across the American South.
tears, hope, the Trail of Tears, remembrance
In the Victorian language of flowers, cherokee rose means “Tears of sorrow becoming beauty”. Georgia's state flower, associated with the Trail of Tears, Cherokee legend says the flower grew where mothers' tears fell during the forced march of 1838. Each white petal represents a tear, the gold center represents gold taken from Cherokee land, and the seven leaves on each stem represent the seven Cherokee clans. Despite the name and legend, the plant is actually native to China.
Did You Know?
Despite being Georgia's state flower and deeply woven into Cherokee history, Rosa laevigata is actually native to China and was introduced to North America in the 1700s. It naturalized so thoroughly in the Southeast that everyone assumed it was native. The irony of an immigrant plant becoming the symbol of indigenous displacement adds complexity to its cultural significance.
Hedgerows, fence lines, and forest edges in warm, humid climates
Cherokee Rose is native to China, Taiwan (naturalized in southeastern US). It naturally grows in hedgerows, fence lines, and forest edges in warm, humid climates.
Scent Profile
“A delicate, tea-like sweetness with citrus undertones, lighter and cleaner than hybrid roses, with an elegance that matches its simple, five-petaled form.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameRosa laevigata
- FamilyRosaceae
- Native ToChina, Taiwan (naturalized in southeastern US)
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Georgia's state flower, associated with the Trail of Tears, Cherokee legend says the flower grew where mothers' tears fell during the forced march of 1838. Each white petal represents a tear, the gold center represents gold taken from Cherokee land, and the seven leaves on each stem represent the seven Cherokee clans. Despite the name and legend, the plant is actually native to China.