Nootka Rose, Bristly Nootka rose

Rosa nutkana

Physical Characteristics

Rosa nutkana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.7 m (8ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

North-western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 101, 118, 161, 257]. The taste is best after a frost[172]. Juicy, pleasantly acid and a good source of vitamin C[183]. The fruit can be dried, powdered and added to tea as a flavouring or used in its own right as a fruity-flavoured tea[21, 101, 183]. The fruit is about 20mm in diameter[200], but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds[K]. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards. Petals - raw. The petals are pleasantly aromatic, but you need to remove the bitter white base[172]. Young shoots - raw or cooked. Peeled and eaten in spring when they are still tender[101, 172, 177, 183, 257]. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement[102, 183]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102]. The peeled stems are used to make a beverage[257]. The leaves are used to make a tea[257].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Astringent Birthing aid Cancer Foot care Ophthalmic Stings Vitamin C Women's complaints An infusion of the roots and sprouts has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used by women after giving birth and also in the treatment of sore throats[257]. A decoction of the bark has been taken to ease the labour pains of childbirth[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used to alleviate the pain of bee stings[257]. A decoction of the branches, combined with chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and red willow (Salix bonplandiana), has been used in the treatment of various women's complaints, diarrhoea and vomiting[257]. The leaves have been placed in shoes as a protection from athletes foot[257]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

Known Hazards

There is a layer of hairs around the seeds just beneath the flesh of the fruit. These hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested.