The rose household (Rosaceae) is among the most helpful plant households round. It consists of over 3,000 totally different species, from flowering vegetation to fruit timber and shrubs. This household provides us far more than simply roses. It’s additionally the place we get apples, strawberries, and plenty of different fruits which have been a part of our meals provide for 1000’s of years.
The Rose (Rosa)
Roses come from the Rosa genus, which has about 300 species. Most are native to Asia, Europe, and elements of North America. Wild roses grew right here naturally earlier than Europeans arrived. Settlers introduced cultivated varieties from Europe within the 1600s. Folks have been rising roses for round 5,000 years, beginning in China. They do effectively in delicate climates and signify love and sweetness in lots of cultures.
Strawberry (Fragaria)
The strawberries we develop as we speak got here from mixing two American species collectively in France through the 1700s. Wild strawberries grew in North America lengthy earlier than that, and Indigenous individuals ate them repeatedly. The Chilean strawberry additionally performed an element in creating trendy sorts. Folks began rising them commercially within the U.S. within the early 1800s. These low vegetation unfold by sending out runners and produce fruit in late spring and early summer season.
Cherry (Prunus avium)
Candy cherries initially got here from the realm between the Black and Caspian Seas. They unfold by means of Europe over time. Settlers introduced cherry timber right here within the 1600s. By the 1800s, industrial rising took off, particularly in Michigan, Washington, and Oregon. The timber lose their leaves in winter and placed on white flowers every spring earlier than making fruit. They want chilly winter climate to supply effectively.
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
This blackberry comes from Europe, however many related sorts are native to North America. Wild blackberries grew all around the continent. Indigenous individuals used them for meals and drugs. European sorts arrived with colonists within the 1600s. Blackberries develop on thorny canes that dwell for 2 years. They make white or pink flowers, then berries that go from crimson to darkish purple-black. These vegetation unfold simply by means of their roots.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Pink raspberries began in Europe and Asia Minor. Associated sorts grew naturally in North America, and Indigenous individuals picked them for meals. European varieties came to visit with settlers and have become industrial crops by the 1800s. Raspberries have roots that dwell for years and canes that dwell for 2. They like cool climate and soil that drains effectively. Some sorts fruit in summer season, others in fall.
Pear (Pyrus communis)
European pears got here from Western Asia and Europe. Folks grew them way back to historical Greece and Rome. Colonists introduced pear timber to North America within the early 1600s. Business orchards confirmed up through the 1800s, primarily in California, Oregon, and Washington. Pear timber dwell a very long time and lose their leaves in winter. They want pollen from a distinct pear tree to make fruit. They bloom early in spring with white flowers. Pears ripen higher after you decide them.
Apple (Malus domestica)
Apples initially got here from the mountains of Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan. Colonists introduced apple seeds and timber right here beginning within the early 1600s. Johnny Appleseed helped unfold apple rising throughout the frontier within the early 1800s. Apple timber lose their leaves in winter and want a chilly dormant interval. They want pollen from totally different apple varieties to supply fruit. There are millions of sorts worldwide, good for cooking, consuming contemporary, and every thing in between.
Peach (Prunus persica)
Regardless that the scientific title suggests Persia, peaches truly began in China over 4,000 years in the past. Spanish explorers introduced them to North America within the 1500s by means of Florida and Mexico. By the 1600s, they grew all through the colonies, doing particularly effectively within the Southeast. The timber make pink flowers earlier than the leaves come out. They want chilly winters and common pruning. Some sorts have pits that come out simply, others don’t.
Plum (Prunus domestica)
European plums got here from close to the Caspian Sea, most likely as a mixture of two wild sorts. Settlers introduced plum timber right here throughout colonial instances and began rising them by the 1600s. Native American plum species already grew wild throughout the continent. Plums do effectively in delicate climates on small to medium timber that lose their leaves. They make white flowers in early spring and produce extra fruit after they get pollen from one other tree.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricots began in China over 4,000 years in the past and unfold west by means of Central Asia. Spanish missionaries introduced them to California within the 1700s, the place the climate suited them completely. Business rising actually acquired going within the 1800s. These small timber bloom very early, which implies late frosts can harm them. Apricots can pollinate themselves and make aromatic pink or white flowers. California nonetheless grows most of America’s apricots.
The rose household actually does provide a bit of little bit of every thing—lovely flowers and loads of good fruit. These vegetation traveled the world over over many centuries to finish up in our gardens and on our tables.
