Audubon® Native Prairie Rose

Normally, if someone’s in need of a climbing Rose, they’ll get a hybrid, but this native form will do the job just fine, too. Prairie Rose is a lovely, vigorous Rose that sends out long (12 to 15 feet) canes that can be trained to a fence, arbor, or large trellis. In midsummer, it puts on a captivating show of deep pink flowers that fade to near-white. At peak bloom, the multicolor effect is quite charming. Prairie Rose can also be grown without a support as a wide-spreading filler in informal gardens. Supports native birds and bees.

Michigan calls this the Michigan Rose, and Illinois calls it the Illinois Rose, though many states could lay claim to the Prairie Rose. It has an extensive natural range that stretches from Wisconsin to New York in the North and from Texas to Alabama in the South. This is a highly beneficial plant for wildlife, with pollen for bees and a buffet of caterpillars and other insects for birds. Warblers, chickadees, wrens, indigo buntings, and vireos are some of the many songbirds that feed on the insects found on Prairie Rose foliage. Mockingbirds devour the bronzy-red fruits that form in fall.

Fall color, too! After the summer color parade is over, Prairie Rose puts on another show. When the weather gets frosty, the green leaves turn a deep burgundy-red. Some years, you may see a medley of purple, red, orange, and yellow foliage.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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