California Wildrose

(Rosa californica)

California Wildrose (Rosa californica)

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Rosa californica Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 12" - 34"
• High Temp. 76°F - 92°F
• Low Temp. 34°F - 45°F

Summary

Rosa californica, commonly known as California Wildrose, is a deciduous subshrub native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian areas in California, extending to Oregon and Baja California, Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and spreads 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 meters) wide. The plant forms dense thickets with arching stems and has foliage that turns yellow in the fall. California Wildrose is adorned with fragrant pink flowers that bloom profusely from late spring to early summer, followed by showy red rose hips that persist into winter, providing food for wildlife.

The California Wildrose is valued for its drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. This plant is ideal for naturalistic plantings, erosion control on slopes, and as part of a wildlife-friendly garden. It attracts pollinators with its flowers and birds with its hips. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread via suckers, potentially becoming aggressive in favorable condition. The plant is armed with sharp. hooked thorns that can catch on skin or clothing, so it's best not to plant footpaths or high-traffic areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 2-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian areas in California, Oregon, and Baja California, Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: California Rose, Kalifornische Rose, Kalifornisk Ros

Scientific Names: Rosa californica, Rosa aldersonii, Rosa californica f. plena, Rosa breweri, Rosa californica var. chamissoniana, Rosa californica var. glabra, Rosa californica var. glandulosa, Rosa californica var. petersiana, Rosa californica var. pubescens, Rosa fraxinifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Rosa californica Cham. & Schltdl.