Rosa cymosa

Rosa cymosa, commonly known as the prairie rose or western prickly rose, belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to North America, particularly found in the central and northern parts of the continent. This shrub is both edible and medicinal, with its fruit and seeds being used for various purposes. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay), and is hardy in zones 6-9. One distinctive feature of Rosa cymosa is its thorny stems, which provide a natural barrier while also adding an ornamental element to the landscape. Another notable characteristic is its pink to white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by edible hips that mature in fall.