I WAS OUT AND ABOUT YESTERDAY...

 at one of my favorite ponds. The Swamp rose was blooming and I thought I would make a post about them today. Its botanical name is Rosa palustris. 'Rosa' is latin for rose and 'palustris' translates to 'of the marsh’. It is very hardy and can be found in swampy, wetland areas. It flourishes in these conditions and has a robust root system that allows it to thrive in standing water, which you won't see in many flowering plants.

The Swamp rose is non-toxic to humans and pets and supports a variety of wildlife with its fruits. Its dense and thorny habitat provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for small animals. Its bright red hips serve as a critical food source in the fall and winter when food is scarce. Many bird species, including thrushes and waxwings, rely on these fruits. You will find plenty of bees and butterflies frequenting this pretty rose, as well as other pollinators.

Traditionally the Swamp rose has been used for medicinal purposes; treating colds and boosting immune systems with its Vitamin C-rich hips, which are also eaten and spread by birds.

The Swamp rose is native to the eastern United States and eastern Canada, ranging from Nova Scotia to Minnesota, south to Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. It likes full sun and those pink blooms are very fragrant, lasting for six to eight weeks in midseason, generally June and July. 

That's a little bit of info about this pretty flower. I loved seeing it again and is one of my many favorites around this time of the year.

Thanks for looking and have a great Friday!