Louis Claude Noisette (2 November 1772 – 9 January 1849) was a French horticulturist and botanist known for his contribution to the cultivation and hybridization of plants, especially roses. The standard author abbreviation Nois is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.

Louis Claude Noisette
Undated engraving of Noisette
Born2 November 1772
Châtillon, France
Died9 January 1849(1849-01-09) (aged 76)
Scientific career
FieldsBotany, Agronomy
Author abbrev. (botany)Nois.

Noisette was born in Paris, France, into a family with a strong tradition in gardening and botany. His father, Joseph Noisette, served as head gardener to the Count of Provence, later King Louis XVIII of France.Noisette had two brothers: Antoine Noisette, a botanist who managed the botanical garden in Nantes, France, and Philippe Noisette, a significant figure in the American horticulture scene.

Early life and career

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Born in Châtillon, France, Noisette began his career in the military as an infantryman for two years before moving into horticulture at age 23.[2] Following his military service, he assumed responsibility for the Val-de-Grâce Botanical School, which was subsequently closed within a few years. In 1795, he became a gardener at Val-de-Grâce but left this role in 1798. In 1806, he, along with his brothers, set up a botanical facility where they grew a wide variety of plants, especially roses.

The Noisette rose

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Noisette is known for his role in developing the Noisette rose (Rosa x Noisettiana).[3] This hybrid rose originated from seeds sent by his brother Philippe from South Carolina.[4] Philippe had crossed a Rosa x 'Old Blush' plant, obtained from Louis Claude, with Rosa moschata, resulting in 'Champneys' Pink Cluster'. Louis Noisette subsequently created 'Blush Noisette', the first Noisette rose, by sowing seeds of 'Champneys' Pink Cluster'.[5]

Contributions and recognition

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Noisette introduced and distributed rare American and Indian plants to France. His contributions were recognized in 1840, when he was awarded the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.[6]

His influence extended beyond France, with Nikolaus II, Prince Esterházy commissioning him to landscape his extensive estate in Austria.

The genus Noisettia, comprising small flowering plants native to tropical America, was named in his honor. Additionally, a garden at the Palace of Versailles bears his name as a tribute to his significant contributions to horticulture.[citation needed]

Noisette passed away in 1849 without ever having children. The descendants of his brother, Philippe Noisette, continued the family's horticultural legacy by operating a nursery in Charleston until the 1940s.

References

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  1. ^ International Plant Names Index.  Nois.
  2. ^ Derkenne, Vincent; Dupont, André (2020). André Dupont (1742-1817) Rosimane: a palace and roses. Paris Norderstedt: BoD, Books on Demand. ISBN 978-2-322-23706-7.
  3. ^ admin (31 August 2017). "Noisettes". Historic Roses Group. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Our Hometown Rose: Learn about the Noisette, Charleston's heritage rose breed, and the rescue mission that brought it back into local gardens and churchyards | Charleston Magazine". CHARLESTON SC |. 14 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Citation Needed", Retcon Game, University Press of Mississippi, 3 April 2017, ISBN 978-1-4968-1132-5, retrieved 11 November 2024
  6. ^ "Artwork by Noisette, Louis Claude (1772-1849) Artist". Fine Antique Prints and Art. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
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