Eglantine
Rosa rubiginosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Eglantine (Rosa rubiginosa) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Eglantine as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MD
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rosa rubiginosa is a vigorous deciduous shrub that produces fragrant pink flowers in summer followed by bright red hips. This European rose naturalizes easily and can form dense thickets if not managed. The foliage has a distinctive apple-like fragrance when crushed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eglantine 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 spreader that can look unruly
- Thorny canes may be considered unsafe
- Can appear weedy without regular pruning
Wildlife value
Flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during summer blooming period. The persistent red hips provide food for birds through fall and winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Eglantine need?
- Eglantine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Eglantine bloom?
- Eglantine blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Eglantine native?
- Eglantine (Rosa rubiginosa) is native to MD, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Eglantine toxic to dogs?
- Eglantine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Eglantine toxic to cats?
- Eglantine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Eglantine toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Eglantine as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Eglantine attract?
- Eglantine draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Eglantine HOA-friendly?
- Eglantine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Eglantine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz