Nootka Rose
Rosa nutkana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nootka Rose as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–120" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Rosa nutkana is a native wild rose that produces fragrant pink flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by bright red rose hips in fall. This thorny shrub can vary considerably in size and has a somewhat irregular, spreading growth habit typical of wild roses.
Growing Nootka Rose
Grow Nootka Rose in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nootka Rose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very thorny stems pose safety concerns
- Irregular growth habit looks too wild for formal landscapes
- Can sucker and spread aggressively
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during blooming season, while the rose hips provide food for birds through fall and winter. The dense, thorny branches also offer nesting sites and protection for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nootka Rose need?
- Nootka Rose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nootka Rose bloom?
- Nootka Rose blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Nootka Rose native?
- Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Nootka Rose toxic to dogs?
- Nootka Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Nootka Rose toxic to cats?
- Nootka Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Nootka Rose toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nootka Rose as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Nootka Rose attract?
- Nootka Rose draws bees and beetles.
- Is Nootka Rose HOA-friendly?
- Nootka Rose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Nootka Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz