Rose, Meadow (Rosa blanda)

One might not expect a native wild rose variety to have naturally evolved to be nearly thornless— yet, meet the Meadow Rose. Also known as Smooth Rose, the most treacherous part of this plant is the prickles that are present on the lower parts of their older growth, with younger and high-reaching growth being smooth. Another common name, Early Wild Rose, indicates their propensity to bloom earlier than other native roses. The species name blanda is derived from the Latin ‘blandus’ for ‘flattering’, ‘tempting’, ‘alluring’. Of course, this only seems right for a plant with such gorgeous blossoms. As they spread through rhizomes to form patches, Rosa blanda is an excellent choice for naturalizing in a large swath of land. They are indigenous to the Northeast United States and the Upper Midwest, and naturally occur in meadows, prairies, and dry hillsides. Smooth Rose is hardy to a variety of climate conditions, allowing it to thrive even along roadsides or sandy soils. The ability of this