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.
Quick Facts
Primary Infection
Spring New Growth - Early Infection Window
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Root Colonization Period
+ 8 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Phenological Calendar
As of May 13, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1906.2 to 2098.2 GDD₃₂. Nootka Rose has passed 'first bloom' (2089 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 13, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,098 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,089 | 'First bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,063 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 26 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,025 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 64 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,993 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 96 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,972 | 'Flower buds visible' | 'First bloom' | 117 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,906 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 31 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 886 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 1128 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1937 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 2089 | '' |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=16, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 13, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 29, 2026, then climate normals.