Climbing Prairie Rose Rosa setigera

The climbing prairie rose is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that climbs like a vine by using its prickles. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and has a wide-spreading or rambling habit. The long climbing or trailing stems require the support of a fence or arbor. With support, the shrub can grow to a height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet. The stems have short, thick, and slightly curved or straight prickles. The spring and summer foliage is dark green compound leaves that have three leaflets. In the fall, the leaves are bronze, purple, and red. The flowers are mildly rose-scented and bloom from mid-June through July. They are pink to rose pink with five petals and golden stamens in the center. The flowers are followed by bright red rose hips in the fall and contain a cluster of achenes. The shrub is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family.

The climbing prairie rose is native to southeast Canada and the central and eastern United States. The shrub is typically found along roadsides, thickets, streams, pastures, and fence rows. This species has been in cultivation since 1810. 

The genus name, Rosa, is the Latin name for rose. The species name, setigera, means "bearing bristles". It is a combination of two Latin words. Seti is translated as "bristle," and gero means "bearing."

The climbing prairie rose prefers full sun, moist, and well-drained soils. It is intolerant to standing water and drought conditions. If grown in partial shade, there is decreased flower production and an increased risk of disease. If pruning is required, it is best done in late winter and early spring. The plant reproduces by seeds or suckering of the stems. It may also be propagated by cuttings and grafting.

Honeybees and bumblebees pollinate the flowers, and birds and small mammals enjoy the fruits from late summer to fall. 

The climbing prairie rose has been used for erosion control in difficult planting sites along highways because of its rambling and suckering habit. It may be also considered for informal gardens and hedges, native plant gardens, prairies, or meadows. Avoid using this shrub in a small garden setting.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer      Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall      Fruits:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• trailing, climbing shrub or vine with arching stems
• greenish-red stems with prickles
• alternate, dark green, palmately compound leaves with three leaflets
• two-winged stipules or small leaf appendages are found at the base of each compound leaf
• pink showy flowers with gold stamens in the center appear 
• fruits appear in the fall and are red-greenish and globular and contain a cluster of achenes,

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The plant is susceptible to flea beetles, aphids, scale, sawflies, borers, rose midges, leafhoppers, spider mites, and thrips. This species of rose is more resistant to natural diseases than most hybrid roses. Roses are typically susceptible to rust, black spot, rose rosette, and powdery mildew. The foliage and stems may be eaten by rabbits, deer, and goats. 

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.

More information on Rosa.