Nootka Rose
'First bloom'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.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Active Conidial Spread
Uredinial Stage (Summer)
Root Colonization Period
Peak Population & Dispersal
+ 8 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Diseases: Regionally Documented (25)
Pests: Regionally Documented (22)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Nootka Rose has passed 'first bloom' (2089 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
View full calendar (8 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 886 | 'Mar 10-Apr 5' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 1128 | 'Mar 25-Apr 20' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1937 | 'May 1-May 25' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 2089 | 'May 15-Jun 10' |
| 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' | — | 'Jun 1-Jun 20' |
| 'Hip development' BBCH '71' | — | 'Jul 1-Aug 1' |
| 'Hip ripening' BBCH '85' | — | 'Aug 15-Oct 15' |
| 'Leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | — | 'Oct 15-Nov 15' |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=16, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.