APPEARANCE
The wild rose grows up to 1.5 metres tall and has stems covered in short, hard prickles. It has a large pink single flower with a strong sweet smell. The flowers ripen into red oval “hips” that stay on the bush all winter long.
RANGE & HABITAT
The wild rose is found from Alaska to Quebec, the northern US and New Mexico. It is common in open areas and clearings.
LIFE CYCLE
Wild roses are pioneer species, like lodgepole pine, and they are often found in areas that have been recently disturbed by humans or fires.
ANIMAL USES
The rose fruits (called hips) are eaten through autumn and early winter by coyotes, bears and other wildlife.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The fleshy part of the hips are very high in vitamin C and can be eaten. The petals are used for tea and the soft part (cambium) of the roots is scraped off and soaked into an ointment for sore eyes. The wood of the plant can be used to make arrows
OTHER USES
The hips are used to make jams and jellies, and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow
MORE INFORMATION
Photo: geojanitor
More Central Interior species
Photo by Alan Grinberg