Rosa palustris, commonly known as Swamp Rose, is a native deciduous shrub found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along the edges of streams and ponds throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, slightly acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland borders, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and features arching branches with prickles and pinnately compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets. From early to mid-summer, it produces fragrant, five-petaled pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by small red hips that persist into winter and provide food for birds and wildlife.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rosa palustris is an excellent choice for enhancing biodiversity in wet landscapes. It offers seasonal beauty, erosion control, and important habitat and food sources for a variety of animals. Swamp Rose pairs well with other wetland species like Buttonbush, Blue Flag, and Swamp Milkweed, contributing both ornamental appeal and ecological function.
Rosa palustris, commonly known as Swamp Rose, is a native deciduous shrub found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along the edges of streams and ponds throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to wet, slightly acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens, wetland borders, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and features arching branches with prickles and pinnately compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets. From early to mid-summer, it produces fragrant, five-petaled pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by small red hips that persist into winter and provide food for birds and wildlife.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rosa palustris is an excellent choice for enhancing biodiversity in wet landscapes. It offers seasonal beauty, erosion control, and important habitat and food sources for a variety of animals. Swamp Rose pairs well with other wetland species like Buttonbush, Blue Flag, and Swamp Milkweed, contributing both ornamental appeal and ecological function.
Bloom time: early to late summer
Habitats: ditches; gravelly seeps; marshes and sandy marshes; peaty bogs; sandy marshes; soggy thickets; wet sand prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): shrub (3 to 8 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: muck; peat; sand
