Rosa nutkana, also known as Nootka Rose, Bristly Rose, or Wild Rose, is a tall perennial shrub in the Rose family. Growing up to 8 ft tall, this plant has light green paired leaflets with toothed edges and sharp spines on the bottom. In early summer, the plant produces 2-3 inch pink flowers that have a pleasantly strong fragrance. The fruits of the Nootka rose are edible but somewhat bitter. It serves as the larval host of the Mourning Cloak and Grey Hairstreak butterflies and is used in wetland mitigation buffers and in native plant landscaping. Rosa nutkana is native to Western North America and grows in moist openings and less often on open hillsides. A poultice of the chewed leaves has also been used to alleviate the pain of bee stings.
