Rosa acicularis, commonly known as the prickly wild rose, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including boreal forests, forest edges, and riparian zones across northern regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. It typically grows to a height of 3-10 feet, with a similar spread, and is characterized by its stout, bristly stems and pinnate leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant, showy pink flowers, followed by distinctive red, pear-shaped hips that persist into winter.

The prickly wild rose is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, often used in naturalistic plantings and as a wildlife-friendly addition to gardens. It provides food and habitat for pollinators and birds, and its hips are appreciated for their high vitamin A and C content. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types, though it thrives in moist, well-drained conditions. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Rosa acicularis is the provincial flower of Alberta, Canada, and its leaves and inner bark have been traditionally used by Native Americans for tea, salad, and smoking tobacco.CC BY-SA 4.0