Quick answer: Swamp rose (Rosa palustris) is native to 27 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: User:SB_Johnny, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Wet, rich soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Aug |
| Height | 6-8 ft, up to 10 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Conspicuous fragrant flowers attract birds, special value to native and bumble bees, nesting materials for native bees |
none noted; susceptible to fungal problems
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Swamp rose
Where is Swamp rose native?
Swamp rose (Rosa palustris) is native to 27 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Swamp rose bloom?
Swamp rose blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Swamp rose need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Moist-Wet. Soil: Wet, rich soils. Mature height: 6-8 ft, up to 10 ft tall.
Is Swamp rose good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Conspicuous fragrant flowers attract birds, special value to native and bumble bees, nesting materials for native bees.
Is Swamp rose deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Swamp rose is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Swamp rose seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Rosa palustris on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Swamp rose.
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- White turtlehead Chelone glabra
Also listed under
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