California Wild Rose

Scientific Name: 

Rosa Californica

Physical Appearance: 

  • Five petal flowers in clusters

  • Flowers are red, pink, white, magenta 

  • Produces rose hips with yellow seeds

  • Ashy brown stems with thick thorns

When Does It Grow: 

  • Spring and Summer, but if it not able access enough water it can go dormant summer

Preferred Environment: 

  • Along coast sides and foothills 

  • In moist soiled areas

  • Along streams and springs

Medicinal Uses: 

  • Roots can be used to make teas to treat colds and general pain

  • Rose hips can be made into teas that are high in vitamin C

Role in the Ecosystem: 

  • Attracts tons of pollinators and insects 

  • Great habitat for birds and small mammals 

Random: 

  • In WWII in England these hips were gathered for vitamins and minerals 

  • Hips are made into teas and jellies

  • The petals are edible! This being said, I do not recommend 

  • It is said that Native Californians would use wild rose stems in basket making