Nootka Rose

Nootka Rose, Rosa nutkana, Bristly Rose, Wild Rose. This lovely wild rose species was first identified in the Pacific Northwest, but actually ranges all along the west coast as well as a bit inland from Alaska all the way into central California. An important plant to the tribes of the Northwest, the rosehips were often collected during winter as famine food when stores ran low. The fresh spring shoots were eaten as well and the leaves and flowers were used externally for stings, scrapes and as an eyewash. The fresh spring rosebuds are lovely to string as a necklace, and the petals are quite fragrant once dried and delicious added to a tea or cordial. The blooms which are quite showy are a single petal and range from darker pink to pale pink. The Nootka Rose can eventually reach 10 feet in height and 4 feet across when grown unchecked. They prefer a moist location with full sun and are a great addition to a hedgerow or fence line. Full sun to partial shade. Perennial Hardy to Zones 1-9.