Early Wild Rose -- Rosa blanda

Features: Also known as meadow rose or smooth rose, it has the fewest thorns of its family. This is the host plant for the Apple Sphinx Moth caterpillar. The fragrant pink flowers have bright yellow centers and attract many pollinators, particularly bees.

Bright red rose hips are berry-like and persist into the winter, providing a food source and habitat for birds. New growth is thornless, hence “smooth” as one of Rosa blanda’s monikers. May form dense thickets and can work as a hedge.

Light: Full to part sun

Soil: Dry to medium soils

Height: 3-5 feet

Width: 4 feet

Blooms: June-July

See more information and photos at: Morton Arboretum and Minnesota Wildflowers

Photos:1. Possibility Place