Nootka rose
Rosa nutkana var. nutkana
Range: Common throughout BC south of 55 N except in the Chilcotin area, infrequent northward, absent in NE BC; N to AK and S to CA, CO and UT. This variety is found mostly from east of Coast-Cascade Mountains.
Description: Medium to tall shrub 0.5-3 m tall, spreading by rhizomes and often thicket-forming; stems stout to spindly, erect to arching, with a pair of large prickles (thorns) at each node, usually lacking internodal prickles. Leaves alternate, deciduous, odd-pinnately compound. Leaflets 5 or 7 (9), elliptic to egg-shaped, 1-7 cm long, coarsely single- or double-toothed. Inflorescence of usually single, sometimes 2 or 3, stalked flowers on lateral branchlets; corollas pink, saucer-shaped, large (4-8 cm across), the petals 5, (2) 2.5-4 cm long.
Ecology: Mesic to moist thickets, forest edges, river terraces, shorelines, streambanks, clearings and roadsides in the lowland and montane zones.
Notes: The chewed leaves have been used to treat bee stings. Small branches or strips of bark can be boiled to make a tea to be used as an eyewash for cateracts.
Sources:- Eflora
- Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. Plants of coastal British Columbia: including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. Lone Pine Publishing. Vancouver. 528 p.
Learn about the importance and diversity of our wetlands
Wetlandkeepers is a 2½ day introduction to wetland identification and stewardship. The course offers individuals an opportunity for hands-on practice of wetland conservation skills, such as conducting wetland, plant and bird surveys, wetland mapping and raising public awareness. It is a fun, and often muddy weekend, for all ages. Participants that successfully complete the course are awarded a Wetlandkeepers Certificate.
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