Prickly Rose
Rosa acicularis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Prickly Rose (Rosa acicularis) is a perennial shrub native to CO, IA, ID, IL and 14 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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
- How much sun does Prickly Rose need?
- Prickly Rose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Prickly Rose bloom?
- Prickly Rose blooms in May and June.
- Where is Prickly Rose native?
- Prickly Rose (Rosa acicularis) is native to CO, IA, ID, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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.
- What pollinators does Prickly Rose attract?
- Prickly Rose draws bees and beetles.
- Is Prickly Rose HOA-friendly?
- Prickly Rose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Prickly Rose? 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