Western Wild Rose, Woods' rose, Tehachapi rose

Rosa woodsii

Physical Characteristics

Rosa woodsii is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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 Bees. 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

Central and Western N. America -Minnesota to Missouri, Northwest Territory, New Mexico and Colorado.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[101, 155, 257]. They are used in making jams, jellies etc. The taste and texture are best after a frost[116]. The fruit can also be dried and used to make a pleasant tasting fruity-flavoured tea[183]. The fruit is up to 15mm 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. Young shoots - raw[172]. Harvested whilst still tender in the spring, they are best peeled[257]. Petals - raw. Remove the bitter white base[172]. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement[102, 183]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102]. The bark, young shoots, leaves and fruit have all been used to make tea-like beverages[257].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Astringent Cancer Diuretic Foot care Poultice Salve Stings Women's complaints The seeds have been used as a poultice to produce a drawing effect for treating muscular pains[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a spring tonic[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used to allay the pain of bee stings[257]. The leaves have been placed in the shoes as a protection from athletes foot[257]. The roots are blood tonic and diuretic[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used by adults and children in the treatment of diarrhoea and intestinal influenza[257]. A decoction of the root or inner bark has been used in the treatment of colds[257]. An infusion of the fruits has been used in the treatment of coughs[257]. Various parts of the plant have been used to make poultices to apply to burns, sores, cuts, swellings and wounds[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 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.