Dog Rose
Rosa canina
Last reviewed: September 2026
Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Dog Rose
Dog Rose is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCommon-briar is a large, thorny rose shrub that produces fragrant pink or white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by bright red rose hips in fall. This vigorous grower can reach up to 15 feet tall and wide, forming dense thickets if not regularly pruned. The thorny canes and suckering habit require consistent management to maintain an attractive garden appearance.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dog Rose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreading habit with thorny suckers
- Can appear wild and unkempt without frequent pruning
- Large mature size may overwhelm typical residential landscapes
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming season, while the rose hips provide food for birds through fall and winter. The dense, thorny structure also offers nesting sites and protective cover for various wildlife species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dog Rose need?
- Dog Rose grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Dog Rose bloom?
- Dog Rose blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Dog Rose toxic to dogs?
- Dog Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Dog Rose toxic to cats?
- Dog Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Dog Rose attract?
- Dog Rose draws bees and beetles.
- Is Dog Rose HOA-friendly?
- Dog Rose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Dog Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.