Family: Rosaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Rosa laevigata, commonly known as Cherokee rose or jin ying zi, is a vigorous climbing rose native to central and southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Vietnam. This evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub produces long arching canes armed with sharp thorns, glossy green leaves, and large fragrant white flowers followed by orange-red rose hips. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental for fences, hedges, and erosion control, and its fruits are also used in traditional herbal medicine. Cherokee rose is valued for its rapid growth, attractive blooms, and ability to form dense living barriers.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Rosa laevigata is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, and is potentially naturalizing on Maui. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including aggressive spreading growth, dense thorny thickets, and the ability to outcompete native vegetation. It can smother shrubs and small trees, restrict access to natural areas, and alter habitat structure in tropical island ecosystems. Because of these risks, Cherokee rose could detrimentally impact Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems if allowed to spread further. Plant Pono recommends choosing a low risk or native alternative when suitable options are available. In areas where this species is already widespread, landowners and gardeners are encouraged to manage existing plants carefully and avoid planting it near natural areas or places where it is not yet widely established to help minimize further spread and ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Lanai and Hawaii, and controlled (but not documented as naturalized) on Kauai (Hawaiian Islands); naturalized in several other locations worldwide
  
• A pasture weed on the mainland U.S. and a potential environmental weed in Hawaii and elsewhere
  
• Other Rosa species are invasive weeds
  
• Canes covered in stout, curved prickles
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing, and can overtop other desirable vegetation
  
• Forms dense thickets that impede movement
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rooting canes and suckers
  
• Reaches maturity in 3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, mammals and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (viable for 1-5 years)
  
• Able to resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Palatable to goats, despite presence of prickles
  
• Valued as an ornamental and landscaping plant by some
  
• Thrives in full sun (dense shade may slow spread)
  
• Herbicides can provide effective control