Ethnobotany for Rosa californica

1. California Wild Rose – Rosa californica (RO-zuh kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: S. Oregon to Baja California; usually in shaded woods, canyons, by streams.
Growth characteristics: clumping woody shrub mature height: 4-6 ft. mature width: 4-9 ft.
Winter-deciduous rose that can form thickets in very damp areas. Stems with hooked prickles.
Leaves dark green. Like most wild roses, this species spreads by suckering.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms spring to fall. Five-petal pink roses in showy clusters. Fruits (hips) are
bright orange-red – showy in fall and well-appreciated by birds. Excellent habitat!
Uses in the garden: Most common native garden rose in CA. Easy to grow. Use as specimen plant
with interesting foliage and nice flowers. Excellent for barrier plantings, on slopes, along fence lines,
for hedgerows, soil stabilization and wildlife habitat. Lovely growing over walls, fences.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native climbing roses.
Attracts: bees, butterflies. Excellent bird habitat plant that provides food, shelter.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to partial shade
Soil Any texture, including clays; any pH
Water Best with some summer water if planted in sunny place ; somewhat drought
tolerant near coast or in partial-shade once established
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Prune to remove dead stems and stimulate growth. Plant spreads by suckering.
May be severely pruned in winter to shape. Remarkably disease-free for a rose.
Propagation: from seed: possible – requires pre-treatment by cuttings: moderately easy from
current year’s woody growth during the dormant season.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7-14, 16, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28 12/13/10
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