PNW Native
Baldhip rosebushes are generally 2-5 ft. tall, with pinnately compound leaves; each leaflet 1/2-1 ½ in. long, oval, serrated, and green, with small ½-1 in. wide pale pink flowers and often covered in soft, bristly spines. Fruits are pear-shaped scarlet-to-orange rosehips, ¼-1/2 in. long, and lose their crown of sepals at the base, hence the name ‘baldhip’. (2) Baldhip rose’s range extends through Western North America. (3)
Baldhip rose tolerates a wide range of habitat at low-middle elevation. (1) The rosehips stay on the bush well into the winter, and they are an important source of food for small mammals, insects, and birds. The open-faced flower attracts native bees over invasive bumblebees, which prefer the double flower of ornamental roses. Elk browse on baldhip rose in the summer, and white-tailed deer favor it particularly in burn areas. (3)
Cultural and Historical Uses
Baldhip rose was eaten sparingly by Saanich, Cowichan, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Makah tribes amongst others, and they were generally considered starvation fare. Only the outer flesh of the fruit is eaten, as the seeds irritate the digestive tract and cause an ‘itchy rear’ upon excretion. A tonic was made from the young shoots and leaves, dried and powdered bark and leaves were smoked, (1) and decoctions made from baldhip rose were used for sore eyes, a body wash during sweat baths, a soak to bestow good luck onto fishing lines and nets, and the Okanogan-Colville tribes used stems and branches to help build arrows and baby carriers. (3)
Baldhip rose is occasionally browsed by livestock, but their rhizomatic spread is likely inhibited by frequent trampling. The rosehips are rich in vitamin C, and are made into jams, jellies, and syrups. (3)
