Baldhip Rose - rosa gymnocarpa

Appearance

• The five petals are pale pink and are 1-2cm. across
• Hips are orange and red, 6-10mm. across
• seeds are bony and hairy
• 5-9 toothed leaflets form compound leaves

Habitat

• dry to moist areas
• Southern Canada to Pacific Northwest
• At low elevations

Growth Habit

• Deciduous shrub
• Spindly, 1-5 m. tall
• Grows orange to scarlet pear-shaped (hips) 6-10mm. across without attached

Natural History

• The spines of this rose are considered poisonous and thought to cause swelling if touched
• A pleasant tea can be made by the young leaves and twigs
• A decoction was also used as eyewash for sore eyes