Alberta Wild Rose
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 283.
Retrieved from: http://web.unbc.ca/~fsty201/wildflower/WIK.html
Names: Alberta Rose (English); Rosa acicularis (Latin)
Other Common Names: Prickly Rose, Nootka Rose
Habitat and Origin: Found all over Alberta and BC. Found in clearings and open forests.
Characteristics: A deciduous shrub with bristle like branches covered in small prickles or thorns. Has bright pink fragrant flowers 3-5 cm in size. Upon withering, the flower will turn into a small oval shaped seed container known as the “rose hip”.
Edible Portion: Rose hips. Leaves and flowers can be used to make tea.
Optimal Growing Conditions: Low to medium elevation in rich, moist soils with plenty of sun.
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Used medicinally to treat bee stings, colds, blindness and diarrhea. The rose has also been used in ceremonial medicine. Rosehip rinds were eaten.