Rosa pisocarpa - peafruit rose

Family: Rosaceae
Wetland Indictor Status: FAC


General Species Description

Rosa pisocarpa is a shrub standing 1-2m tall. The stems are dark red, and intertwining with small straight prickles.


Leaves

This shrub has alternate, pinnately compound leaves, with 5-9 leaflets. They are serrated and sharply pointed at tip.


Inflorescence/Flowers

The flowers are pink to a deeper rose color, less than 4-5cm across, with 5 petals.


Fruits

Fruits are egg-shaped, reddish-purple, with sepals attached to the tips.


Habitat

Peafruit rose can be found in moist thickets, along stream banks, and swamps. It is also shade tolerant.


Range

The range of this shrub is from southern British Columbia to northern California and west of the Cascades.


Similar Species

Ribes species can be confused with Rosa pisocarpa, because they also have bristly stems, yet they do not have compound leaves.


Ecological Value

Fruits are consumed by various animals and upland game birds. Leaves and twigs are eaten by browsers. The thickets provide excellent nesting and escape habitat for songbirds.


Human Value

Hips can be made into tea, and the rinds of hips can be eaten raw, both a source of vitamin C. Can be used for hedgerows or ornamentals.


References

Cooke, Sarah. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, 1997.


This page was created by: Christina Norton, August 2000


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