Two to three-inch wide bright pink flowers with yellow centers open in early summer on this native prairie rose. Blooms more heavily in full sun, but is more shade tolerant than cultivated roses. Dark green foliage grows on prickly stems with thorns. This low-growing native is generally upright but may sprawl if the plants grow taller than 3 or 4 feet. Very drought-tolerant. Native roses attract many pollinators, especially native bees.
Bright red rosehips are a popular source of food for fruit-loving birds, and the vitamin C-rich hips are also good for humans.