This document provides information on the California Wild Rose (Rosa californica). It is a clumping woody shrub native to southern Oregon and Baja California that typically grows 4-6 feet tall and 4-9 feet wide. It has pink flowers in showy clusters in spring through fall and orange-red hips appreciated by birds. It is easy to grow and useful in gardens as a specimen plant, for hedgerows, and to attract bees and birds. Minimal care is needed once established.

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.
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.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms spring to fall. Five-petal pink roses in showy clusters.
bright orange-red – showy in fall and well-appreciated by birds.
Blooms/fruits:
Fruits (hips) are
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 fencelines,
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
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
Any texture, including clays; any pH
Best with some summer water if planted in sunny place ; somewhat drought
tolerant near coast or in partial-shade once established
None needed
Prune to remove dead stems and stimulate growth.
winter to shape. Remarkably disease-free for a rose.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
possible – requires pre-treatment
current year’s woody growth during the dormant season.
May be severely prune in
by cuttings: moderately easy from
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7-14, 16, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28
12/13/10
© Project SOUND

2. *Interior/Woods’ Rose – Rosa woodsii ssp ultramontana ( RO-zuh
WOOD-zee-eye)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Species native to much of w. N. America from British Columbia/MT to AZ, NM. In CA, ssp.
ultramontana native to Sierras, San Gabriel/San Bernardino Mtns., desert ranges; usually in
seasonally moist places in Yellow Pine, other Forest types, or wetland-riparian, 3500-11500 feet.
woody shrub
mature height: 4-6+ ft.
mature width: spreading
Typical spreading wild rose forming mounds or thickets (with abundant water). Stems are straight,
red to grey-brown, with rather sparsely spaced straight prickles. Leaves are compound, similar to
but smaller than garden roses. Plants are fast growing and may be long-lived.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late spring/early summer,
are lovely single roses, usually medium to pale pink.
many be covered with blooms for a month or more.
among the best tasting of any wild rose – used for tea,
Blooms/fruits:
usually May-June in w. L.A. county. Flowers
Individual flowers are short-lived, but plant
Sweet scent. Flowers and fruits (hips) are
jelly, syrup, potpourri, etc.
Uses in the garden: Commonly used restoration plant on steep slopes at higher elevations. Makes a
nice specimen plant. May be grown for its fruits. Excellent addition to a habitat garden. Can be
used as a barrier plant. All parts used medicinally as well as for herbal teas, other edibles. Could
likely be grown in a large container. Very sensitive to sulfur dioxide (SO2) air pollution.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native roses.
Attracts: Excellent habitat: provides cover and fruits. Loved by native insect pollinators.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Afternoon shade except along immediate coast.
Best in medium to coarse soils; any local pH.
Quite drought tolerant but best with occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2).
Would gladly take ½ strength fertilizer – just don’t overdo.
Organic mulch is fine.
Prune out dead stems. Can cut back to rejuvenate. May want to contain – or
water only occasionally to limit growth rate. Don’t over-water; check for disease.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: requires rose-type pre-treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
8, 11, 13
by cuttings/layering: yes
11/29/13
© Project SOUND

3. *Baja Rose – Rosa minutifolia
(RO-zuh my-noo-ti-FO-lee-uh )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Endemic to Otay Mountain (San Diego County) and n. Baja CA ; in chaparral and dry,
north-facing Diegan Sage Scrub.
Rare in U.S. but quite common in Baja.
woody shrub
mature height: 4-6 ft.
mature width: 4-5 ft.
A true wild rose bush – with a few novel features. Leaves extremely small (leaflets < ¼ inch),
hence the name minutifolia. Drought deciduous in nature, re-leafing with the first rains. Mounded
form; new stems are often red-tinged. Plant is extremely prickly: stout, straight prickles, dense on
the stem. Wear gloves to prune!
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late winter/early spring – usually Feb.-Apr. but may be earlier. Flowers
are beautiful pink single roses, usually a bright pink and fragrant.
A beautiful spot of color in the
early spring garden. Flowers and fruits (hips) are edible.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen plant, where a rose is desired in a water-wise
garden. It’s unique foliage makes it unique among wild roses. Forms an effective barrier hedge.
Great choice for erosion control on dry slopes.
Pair with Wooly Blue Curls, CA Buckwheat and
White Sage for an attractive, life-friendly combination.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native roses.
Excellent habitat plant: provides cover, pollen/nectar and fruits for food. Good plant to
encourage native pollinator insects.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full to part sun.
Adaptable: any local texture, pH.
Occasional summer water, especially in August (Water Zone 1-2) is best.
None needed, use organic mulch.
Thin organic mulch is fine.
Prune back when dormant in fall to stimulate new growth. Don’t over-water – very
drought tolerant. Watch for signs of disease and prune out using sterile pruners if needed.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: yes; may require pre-treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
8, 11, 13, 14
by cuttings: like other wild Rosa
10/28/13
© Project SOUND

4. Holly-leaf/Catalina Cherry – Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia & lyonii
(PROO-nus ill-is-i-FO-lee-a ly-OWN-ee-eye)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Central CA coast to Baja (ssp. lyonii on Channel Islands only); along streams (riparian
vegetatin), canyons & north-facing slopes, oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal scrub communities.
Growth characteristics: Woody shrub/tree
mature height: 10-25 ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.
Many-branched evergreen woody shrub or small tree. Foliage is an attractive glossy green with
holly-like toothed leaves. Branches are gray to red-brown with a pronounced bitter almond odor and
taste. Slow-growing; very long-lived for shrub/small tree – to 100 years or more.
Blooms Mar.-May. Flowers are feathery, white, showy and sweet scented. Fruits
are red-black, edible with thin sweet flesh & large seed. Seeds toxic if eaten in large quantities.
Fruits ripen from November to December.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as an ornamental hedge or screen. Does well on slopes &
banks. Can be trimmed as a small tree for small gardens. Does fine in large planters. Great along
roads, between houses. Berries will stain concrete.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native medium to large evergreen shrubs (particularly those used for
large hedges & screens).
Excellent bird and small animal habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Berries are
readily consumed by many songbirds. Bees and butterflies utilize the nectar.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade; probably better with some shade
Any well-drained soil; any local pH (4-8)
Deep watering once a month in summer is ideal (once established); fairly tolerant of
garden watering as long as soils are well-drained
Not needed, but probably ok with light fertilizer
Can be pruned to any height (once or twice a year – like any horticultural shrub), or
left to grow naturally. Quite disease and pest-free. Requires little care.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; may require cold treatment by cuttings: softwood & layering
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 7-9, 11-14, 19, 20, 24-26, 28
12/4/10
© Project SOUND

5. Redshanks – Adenostoma sparsifolium
(ad-en-OS-toh-muh spar-si-FOH-lee-um)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Southern CA from San Luis Obispo county to n. Baja, with largest populations in
Riverside, San Diego counties. Locally in Santa Monica Mtns.; dry, well-drained slopes and mesas at
elevations from 1,000 to 7,000 feet in Chaparral.
Native to:
woody shrub/tree
mature height: 6 -15 ft.
mature width: 8-12 ft.
Woody shrub, mostly evergreen, often with multiple branches. Leaves are very narrow, linear,
glandular. Old bark is red-brown, shreddy, hence the name ‘Redshanks’.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in summer. Small pale-yellow or cream flowers in open clusters.
showy in bloom – literally covered with blooms. Flowers attract native insect pollinators.
Blooms/fruits:
Very
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen plant or in chaparral-themed gardens. Can be
pruned up to make an interesting multi-trunk tree – has lovely natural shape.
Good habitat for
birds. Thrives in hot, dry places. Good on slopes. Note: NOT FIRE-RETARDANT.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Acacias and other drought tolerant trees/large shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Adaptable; fine in clays. pH 6.5-7.5.
None to little summer water once established (Water Zone 1 to 1-2]
Not needed; light dose OK.
Like organic mulch.
Management:
Pretty easy. Prune out dead/diseased branches as needed. Can prune as tree.
Propagation: from seed: acid or smoke treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
by cuttings: probably – semi-soft wood
8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 20
10/29/13
© Project SOUND

6. *Douglas/Rose Spiraea – Spiraea douglasii
(spy-REE-uh dug-LASS-ee-eye )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Alaska to N. CA & east to OR/MT; moist places in Redwood Forest, Red Fir Forest,
wetland-riparian between 0 and 6400 feet .
Native to:
woody shrub
mature height: 3-6+ ft.
mature width: spreading
Woody shrub with many upright stems. Winter-deciduous. Spreads via rhizomes – forms thickets in
very moist conditions. Oblong leaves are dark green on top, lighter below. Note: all parts may be
mildly toxic under certain conditions.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in summer – June to Sep. in native range. Extremely showy bloomer.
Many small, fragrant red-pink flowers in dense, wand-like clusters. This plant is a real show-stopper
and is used in gardens in the Pacific Northwest. Dry seed capsules remain on plant through winter.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Primarily used as an accent plant for its lush foliage and wonderful blooms.
Provides a woodsy look under pines, redwoods. Good source of pink flowers in summer habitat
garden. For moist areas like rain gardens in natural/informal gardens. Would work in a large
container. Nice for cut flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennials.
Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts insects, butterflies, hummingbirds. Birds enjoy the
seeds, particularly in winter.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade; dappled sun.
Any local texture; fine with acidic soils (pH 4.5 – 8.0)
Moist soils/regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3); tolerates seasonal flooding.
Not needed if organic mulch used.
Organic mulch.
Management:
Can spread aggressively in moist soils. Contain (best) or keep pruned back.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or 2-3 mo. cold-moist pre-treat by cuttings: fairly easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
8, 11, 13, 14
10/31/13
© Project SOUND

7. *Large-leaved Avens – Geum macrophyllum
(JEE-um mak-roh-FIL-um )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Much of Northern America from AK to Baja and east to Great Lakes. Locally in San
Bernardino Mtns.; in moist forests, meadows, stream banks, springs and seeps from 3500 to about
10,000 ft. Locally in Yellow Pine forest, but in other types of coniferous forests in other parts of CA.
Native to:
clumping perennial
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-3 ft.
Herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter in cold climates. Basal leaves are upright, compound
with a kidney-shaped terminal leaflet much larger than the other leaflets. Growth habit somewhat
like a strawberry – short stem and short underground stems (rhizomes). Not a fast spreader.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms mid- to late spring – April to June. Flowers resemble bright yellow
strawberry flowers or buttercups. They have nectar ‘spots’ (invisible to human eye) to guide insect
pollinators. Pretty in bloom with a woodsy charm. Fruits: round capsules - appear bristly.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Usually used as a groundcover, particularly in areas with more precipitation.
Can become almost lawn-like. Plant with water-loving grasses/sedges for a mixed lawn. Charming
in containers. Good in any area of the garden that receives regular water ore overspray. Works
well as a groundcover around shrubs that need summer water. Important medicinal plant where
ever it grows: leaf poultice for cuts/boils/muscle aches; leaf tea for stomach ache; much more.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbaceous groundcovers.
Attracts: Excellent bird and pollinator habitat: provides seeds and nectar for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Best with afternoon shade in our area.
Any local texture; not for highly alkali soils (pH >8.0).
Regular water to slightly less – Water Zone 2-3 to 3. Tolerates seasonal flooding.
Fine with occasional ½ strength fertilizer.
Leaf mulch is appreciated.
Re-seeds readily in moist soil – remove spent flowers if you don’t want this. Remove
spent leaves as needed to tidy.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or2-3 mo. cold-moist treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13
by cuttings: ??
10/29/13
© Project SOUND