Nootka Rose

Near 'First bloom'

Rosa nutkana

Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native

Last updated

Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.
Watch for this season

Primary Infection

Spring New Growth - Early Infection Window

RustHigh

Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)

Root Colonization Period

+ 7 more — see full disease and pest lists below

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

Height
10 ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Light
Part Shade
Soil
Moist
Water
High
Hardiness
Zone Zones 7b–8b
Origin
much of the west, from Alaska to northern California and

Phenological Calendar

As of May 9, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1800.9 to 1983.6 GDD₃₂. Nootka Rose has reached 'flower buds visible' (1937 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'first bloom', predicted around May 15.

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 9, 2026
Station GDD₃₂ Current Stage Next To Go
Issaquah / East King 1,984 'Flower buds visible' 'First bloom' 105
Kent / Auburn 1,972 'Flower buds visible' 'First bloom' 117
Seattle / UW 1,954 'Flower buds visible' 'First bloom' 135
Olympia / Tumwater 1,913 'Leaf emergence' 'Flower buds visible' 24
Tacoma / Puyallup 1,881 'Leaf emergence' 'Flower buds visible' 56
Bellingham / Whatcom 1,863 'Leaf emergence' 'Flower buds visible' 74
Sequim / Rain Shadow 1,801 'Leaf emergence' 'Flower buds visible' 136
Stage GDD32 Typical Window
'Bud break' BBCH '07' 886 ''
'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' 1128 ''
'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW 1937 ''
'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT 2089 '' est. May 15 (forecast)

Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=16, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →

Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 9, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 26, 2026, then climate normals.

Diseases — Regionally Documented (25)

Pests — Regionally Documented (22)