Little Wood Rose
Rosa gymnocarpa
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Little wood rose (Rosa gymnocarpa), also called baldhip rose, is a broadleaf shrub in the Rosaceae family native to western North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, British Columbia to California. It reaches 6 ft tall and produces pink solitary flowers approximately 2 inches across. It naturally occurs in shaded woods below 1,800 meters.
Little wood rose is hardy in zones 5a-8b and prefers sun to part shade with moist soil (pH 4.5-8.5) and moderate water. Twenty-seven diseases and 29 pests are documented. The fruit has a low edibility rating (2/5). Seeds contain hair irritants.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 12, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1235.8 to 1375.3 GDD₃₂. Little Wood Rose has reached 'bud break' (591 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'leaf emergence', predicted around Apr 22.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 12, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,375 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 96 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,348 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 123 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,308 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 163 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,292 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 179 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,270 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 201 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,258 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 213 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,236 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 235 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NOW | 591 | '' |
| ○ 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NEXT | 1471 | '' est. Apr 22 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 12, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 28, 2026, then climate normals.