After attending the same expedition (as part of Humboldt's team) with Gustav Rose, (who was the brother of Heinrich Rose), Ehrenberg got married to Gustav's cousin Julie Rose (1804–1848). After their first son died in infancy they had four daughters; Helene (* 1834), Mathilde (1835–1890), Laura ( *1836) and Clara Ehrenberg (1838–1916). His youngest daughter Clara Ehrenberg was his assistant for over 12 years. She aided his scientific research, organised and indexed his collections and correspondence, and prepared a taxonomic reference book. Clara was also a published scientific illustrator.