• A close-up of a Rosa arkansana (Prairie Rose) blossom reveals five delicate, soft pink petals lightly covered in raindrops. The golden-yellow stamens form a dense circle around the central pistil, glowing against the backdrop of the pink petals. A few green serrated leaves peek out from behind the bloom.
  • A single Rosa arkansana (Prairie Rose) flower blooms along a sprawling branch of the low-growing shrub. Surrounded by bright green leaves, the pink blossom stands out against the tangled grasses and dried stems of the surrounding prairie vegetation. Nearby, a spent flower head shows the transition from bloom to seed.
  • A dense stand of Rosa arkansana (Prairie Rose) stretches along the edge of a native grassland, the low shrubs covered in bright pink flowers. Interspersed among the roses, yellow goldenrod and patches of blue wildflowers add bursts of color to the vibrant summer scene. The wild rose flowers create a colorful ribbon along the edge of the field.
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Wild About Flowers

Rosa arkansana - Prairie Rose

Rosa arkansana - Prairie Rose

$6.75 CAD
$6.75 CAD
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In early to mid-summer, Prairie Rose produces fragrant pink flowers, sometimes tinged with white, with golden centers, attracting native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By fall, bright red rose hips provide an important winter food source for birds and wildlife while adding seasonal interest. This resilient native spreads through underground rhizomes, forming dense thickets that stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and create valuable habitat. With its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and ecological benefits, it is an excellent choice for rural settings, naturalized plantings and restoration projects.

Prairie Rose is a hardy, spreading shrub that thrives in open prairies, grasslands, and well-drained soils, making it ideal for larger, self-sustaining landscapes. Mature plants are moderately deer-resistant due to their thorny stems and dense growth habit, discouraging browsing.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Experienced
Growing Difficulty: Intermediate
Speed of Growth: Moderate
Age to First Bloom: 3-4

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed Packs currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Clay
  • Seasonally Moist

Height

  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Pink
  • White

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July
  • August

Vigorousness

  • Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Fragrant
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Berries
  • Fall Color
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to central North America, Prairie Rose is found from BC to ON, and extending southward into the central US. It thrives in dry to mesic grasslands, open woodlands, roadsides, and sand dunes, often found in prairie remnants, foothill slopes, and disturbed areas.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Rose hips are edible and have been traditionally used as a high-vitamin C food source. Indigenous peoples of the prairies brewed hip tea for colds, fevers, and sore throats, while the petals were used for mild teas and flavoring. Root infusions were used for digestive ailments.