Swamp rose (Rosa palustris) is a native rose shrub that only occurs in wetlands. It is now in bloom at Pocosin Lakes and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuges. Bees feed on the nectar of the flowers and the flowers mature into rose hips (fruit of the rose). Rose hips are high in vitamin C and very sour when they first ripen. Birds and small mammals will not eat them until they soften and sweeten much later in the year.