Wood Rose
Rosa gymnocarpa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. C676 — Rosa gymnocarpa
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IOverview
Overview
The Wood Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) is a subshrub native to the Pacific Northwest and western states of North America, including British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Edible parts of the Wood Rose include its flowers, fruit, seeds, and shoots, making it a versatile plant for those interested in edible landscaping. One distinctive feature is its light requirement; while it can tolerate partial shade, full sun exposure is ideal for optimal growth.
Quick answers
What is Wood Rose?
The Wood Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) is a subshrub native to the Pacific Northwest and western states of North America, including British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Wood Rose used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Wood Rose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Wood Rose appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Wood Rose has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for digestive issues, similar to other Rosa species. A decoction of the flowers or fruits may help alleviate mild stomach discomfort.
The mechanism involves compounds such as tannins and flavonoids which have astringent properties that can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, though specific pathways are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wood Rose support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wood Rose thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows up to 3 meters tall as a subshrub. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers, fruit, seeds, shoots, and stems. Maintain soil pH between 6 and 7.8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Wood Rose for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Wood Rose in a sunny spot and basic soil preparation for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
Wood Rose plants, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the pH is between 6 and 7.8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nurseries, ensuring they have established roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to help establish the plant. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest flowers for drying or fresh use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitSeedShootsStem
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 6 native
Broader regions
native:California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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