Rosa obtusifolia
Rosa obtusifolia
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Pl. 90F8 — Rosa obtusifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Rosa obtusifolia, commonly known as the white rose of Castile, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more. This plant thrives in full or partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 4-8, it is known for its edible fruit and seeds, making it a valuable resource in some regions. Its native range includes Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belgium, where it has been cultivated for both ornamental and culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of Rosa obtusifolia is its light pink to white flowers that bloom in spring, followed by small, edible fruits called hip berries.
Quick answers
What is Rosa obtusifolia?
Rosa obtusifolia, commonly known as the white rose of Castile, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more. This plant thrives in full or partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Rosa obtusifolia used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Rosa obtusifolia
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Rosa obtusifolia appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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.
Rosa obtusifolia support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rosa obtusifolia thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, Rosa obtusifolia can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The plant's edible parts include the fruit and seed, which can add a unique flavor to culinary creations.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
For first-time growers
How to grow Rosa obtusifolia for the first time
8steps
Start with Rosa obtusifolia by planting it in a sunny spot and providing basic care, as it thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A Rosa obtusifolia plant or seeds, soil, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Rosa obtusifolia in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining and can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the ground. Space them about 3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme heat.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, regular watering, and mulching to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Rosa obtusifolia is edible and its fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also consumable, though less commonly utilized. Typically, the fruits are enjoyed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the preparation details to maintain brevity.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IraqKazakhstanPalestine
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
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
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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