When does Rosa acicularis bloom?

Prickly rose typically flowers in May and June, producing pink, five-petaled blossoms on its arching, bristly stems.

What pollinators visit prickly rose flowers?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors, foraging on pollen from the open, single blooms.

How much sun does Rosa acicularis need?

It flowers most reliably in full sun but can tolerate some part sun, particularly along forest edges and clearings.

How much water does prickly rose require?

It prefers medium soil moisture and can handle drier stretches once its root system is established.

What is the growth habit of Rosa acicularis?

It is a deciduous shrub that spreads by suckering into loose thickets, with stems covered in fine, needle-like prickles.

Is Prickly Rose toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Prickly Rose as toxic to livestock.

Is Prickly Rose HOA-friendly?

Prickly Rose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Prickly Rose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rosa acicularis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Rosa acicularis is a deciduous, thicket-forming shrub that blooms pink from May into June. It grows well in full sun with medium moisture across cool northern climates from the Rocky Mountains to New England.

Prickly Rose (Rosa acicularis) 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 Prickly Rose as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, IA, ID, IL and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Interior River Valleys and Hills

Prickly rose forms a medium-sized shrub with fragrant pink blooms in late spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by bright red rose hips that persist into winter, providing seasonal interest and wildlife food.

Growing Prickly Rose

Grow Prickly Rose in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prickly Rose is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Thorny branches may be concerning near walkways
Can spread by suckers if not managed
Informal growth habit less structured than hybrid roses

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period. Rose hips provide important winter food for birds, and the thorny branches offer nesting sites and shelter.

Common questions

When does Rosa acicularis bloom?: Prickly rose typically flowers in May and June, producing pink, five-petaled blossoms on its arching, bristly stems.
What pollinators visit prickly rose flowers?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors, foraging on pollen from the open, single blooms.
How much sun does Rosa acicularis need?: It flowers most reliably in full sun but can tolerate some part sun, particularly along forest edges and clearings.
How much water does prickly rose require?: It prefers medium soil moisture and can handle drier stretches once its root system is established.
What is the growth habit of Rosa acicularis?: It is a deciduous shrub that spreads by suckering into loose thickets, with stems covered in fine, needle-like prickles.
Is Prickly Rose toxic to dogs?: Prickly Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Prickly Rose toxic to cats?: Prickly Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Prickly Rose toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Prickly Rose as toxic to livestock.
Is Prickly Rose HOA-friendly?: Prickly Rose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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