Wood Rose
Rosa gymnocarpa
Also known as Baldhip Rose, Naked-hip Rose, Dwarf Woodland Rose
Climate Match for your location
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A native wild rose with small pink flowers and decorative red hips in fall. Hardy and drought-tolerant, thriving in open woodlands and disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Rosa gymnocarpa is smaller and more shade-tolerant than many ornamental roses, making it useful for woodland edges and under-story planting where larger cultivars struggle. Its native status in western North America means it requires minimal inputs once established and supports wildlife through its hips and structure. Compared to hybrid roses, it offers genuine drought tolerance and disease resistance without the breeding-related vigor loss that makes some ornamentals finicky.
Watch out for
This species spreads readily by seed in disturbed soil, so seedlings may appear beyond intended planting areas if hips are allowed to drop unchecked. Like other wild roses, it can become leggy or sparse without occasional removal of older canes to encourage denser branching. It tends to sucker from the base, which can be either a feature for thicket establishment or a maintenance issue depending on your design intent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native wild rose with small pink flowers and decorative red hips in fall. Hardy and drought-tolerant, thriving in open woodlands and disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wood Rose grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Rosa gymnocarpa is smaller and more shade-tolerant than many ornamental roses, making it useful for woodland edges and under-story planting where larger cultivars struggle. Its native status in western North America means it requires minimal inputs once established and supports wildlife through its hips and structure. Compared to hybrid roses, it offers genuine drought tolerance and disease resistance without the breeding-related vigor loss that makes some ornamentals finicky.
Watch out for
This species spreads readily by seed in disturbed soil, so seedlings may appear beyond intended planting areas if hips are allowed to drop unchecked. Like other wild roses, it can become leggy or sparse without occasional removal of older canes to encourage denser branching. It tends to sucker from the base, which can be either a feature for thicket establishment or a maintenance issue depending on your design intent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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