Rosa californica

Identification

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Description

California Rose is a deciduous shrub with 1-2" pink flowers that is the wild rose of much of California. . This wild rose has fragrant 3/4" red smooth fragrant hips. The hips are of good quality for tea. The wild rose in many roadside spots up and down the coast ranges in California and Oregon. In the transverse ranges around Frazier Park . You'll find this wild rose in shade to part shade in the interior. At higher elevations(up to 6000'+) or near the coast sun is preferred. Like most wild roses this California one tolerates some drought but likes moisture. California wild rose will usually grow in some source of moisture. An upright grower, forms thickets on north slopes and next to streams. A very important wildlife plant. If you are in an area of feral cats or wild dogs this plant should help. Its thorns are hooked. You do not walk through it. It is like thorny velcro. The cats may be able to walk under it but not get animals that are hiding in it. Low life neighbors hate it, they can no longer siphon gas to get to town, without going in the front way.