Prickly Rose

Prickly Wild Rose

Rosa acicularis

A hardy native rose with soft pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The open five-petaled blossoms have bright yellow centers rich with pollen, attracting many species of native bees and pollinators.

After flowering, the plant produces bright red rose hips that mature in late summer and fall. These nutritious fruits are eaten by birds, small mammals, and other wildlife and may persist into winter.

A Classic Northern Woodland Rose

Prickly Wild Rose grows as an upright shrub with arching stems covered in fine slender prickles. It can slowly form colonies through underground rhizomes, creating natural thickets that provide shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small animals.

Its dense growth and wildlife value make it an important shrub in natural landscapes.

A Plant of Forest Edges and Northern Woodlands

Prickly Wild Rose occurs naturally in woodland edges, forest clearings, thickets, and open northern forests. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soils from sandy to moderately rich.

Its roots help stabilize soils while its flowers and fruits support pollinators and wildlife.

Growing Information

Height: 3–6 ft

Spread: 3–6 ft

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Average to moist, well-drained soils

Hardiness: Zone 2–7

Growth Rate: Moderate

Best planted in woodland edges, hedgerows, naturalized landscapes, and wildlife habitat plantings.

Ecological Importance

Prickly Wild Rose:

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees and pollinating insects

Produces rose hips eaten by birds and wildlife

Creates dense shelter for birds and small mammals

Supports many native insects

Associated Woodland Edge & Meadow Species

Common companions in natural plant communities include:

• Big-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
• Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
• Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient woodland edge ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants 🌱

3.5 inch Pots 🌱