Prickly Wild Rose

Scientific name

Rosa acicularis

Description

Prickly Wild Rose is a small, hardy, deciduous shrub species that can grow up to 1 m in height. Slender straight bristles densely cover the main stem to distinguish it from the Common Wild Rose, which has fewer thorns and bristles. The leaves are dark green, elliptic shaped, compound with 5-7 leaflets, alternately arranged, and have toothed margins. The flowers are showy, white/cream to deep pink coloured, fragrant, have 5 rounded petals, appear on flowering branches, and bloom from late May to July. These flowers change into scarlet colour, pear shaped rose hips. The flowers are beneficial for pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The rose hips are valuable for wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. Prickly Wild Rose has a deep root system, making it valuable for controlling erosion and stabilizing loose soil. This shrub is hardy and grows quickly, making it an ideal species for re-vegetating disturbed sites.

Planting conditions

The Prickly Wild Rose grows best in moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, sand or loam soil types. It is tolerant of acidic soil and periodically flooded areas. It is tolerant of drought but young plants should be watered occasionally until established. It is tolerant of shade but will produce more flowers and fruit with more sun exposure. This shrub can be naturally found in moist meadows, open forests, rocky bluffs, and along lake or river shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m