Rosa californica

This deciduous shrub grows up to 8' tall and can be used in the landscape as an informal spiny hedge, or along a water course or water feature. This plant adapts to heavy clay soil and spreads by suckering roots to form a thicket. The large pink flowers have a rich rose fragrance and the brightly colored fruits attract pollinators and birds. The bloom period is long lasting from Spring to Summer. Native to the U.S. states of California and Oregon and the northern part of Baja California, Mexico Attracts beneficial insects and other wildlife. Rosehips provide food in the winter when there is little other food sources. The thickets provide cover for wildlife and also helps with eroison control. The rose hips were used during World War II for their high vitamin content. Found in moist places, canyons, and along streams. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 6000 feet.

Branching shrub growing 6' tall and forming broad thickets by underground shoots. Stems are closely set with pale green to blue-green leaves, many prickles, and single pink flowers to 2" that decorate the plant most of the summer. Best in full sun and tolerates a wide variety of soils. Useful for re-vegetation or as a groundcover. Another of the plants collected by Chamisso and Eschscoltz, during their scientific expedition in the 1800's, and referred to in Chamisso's diaries. Reflecting on a California summer he says, "The season was not favourable for us. We, however, gathered the seeds of several plants, and have reason to hope that we shall be able to enrich our gardens with them." Hardy to 0F or less. Western North America, south into Baja California.

Many years ago my mother dug up a sucker of this native shrub near the Russian River & brought it home to her garden. There it has thrived with little water or encouragement, in poor soil & in shade. This widespread species (its range covers a good deal of the state & up into Oregon) is thicket-forming if left un-pruned (& will amass itself 10’ or more in width) & is an excellent wildlife plant. The charming 1-2” flowers are borne in clusters in Spring & are followed by bright red hips that are very good for tea. Very resistant to disease & tolerant of many kinds of neglect, this shrub prefers some water, but can do pretty well without, although if you are in a no water situation planting it in part shade would work best. Flowering is better & longer when planted in more sun. This particular clone has very light pink to white flowers. Semi-evergreen here in Zone 9.