Nootka Rose
Rosa nutkana
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family native to western North America from Alaska to California, east to the Rocky Mountains. It reaches 10 ft tall and produces commonly solitary flowers 5-6 cm across with leaf-like calyx lobes. It occurs in woods and open places throughout its range.
Nootka rose is hardy in zones 7b-8b and prefers part shade with moist soil (pH 6.5-7.0) and high water needs. Twenty-seven diseases and 29 pests are documented. The fruit has a moderate edibility rating (3/5). Seeds contain hair irritants.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Nootka Rose has reached 'bud break' (886 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'leaf emergence', predicted around Apr 4.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 756 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 766 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 17 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 22 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 27 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 53 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 58 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NOW | 886 | '' |
| ○ 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NEXT | 1128 | '' est. Apr 4 (forecast) |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1937 | '' est. May 13 (avg) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 2089 | '' est. May 19 (avg) |
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 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.