Nootka Rose
Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) name: ḵaĺḵay
Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Halkomelem) name: ’qél’q or qel’qulhp (flowers); qél’eq (hips); qel’qulhp (bush)
Latin species name: Oemleria cerasiformis
Image source — Nootka Rose: Creative Commons: Siegmund, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Range:
Along the Pacific coast of Turtle Island*, from southern Alaska through central-northwest California.
*Turtle Island is a common Indigenous place name for the landmass colonially known as North America. (See more…)
Image source — <https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=986>
"The Nootka Rose Berry Quest"
(Image: nootka rose in summer)
This story was told at a local school during their annual PowWow by Swalklanexw Dallas Guss.
Image source — <https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/3359–rosa-nutkana>
Once upon a time, a curious and adventurous young raccoon named Remy lived in a lush forest deep in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Remy was known for his love of exploring and finding delicious treats in the forest.
One sunny morning, Remy’s friend, a wise old owl named Oliver, approached him. “Remy,” Oliver said, “I’ve heard of a magical berry hidden deep within the forest – the Nootka Rose berry. Legend has it that whoever finds and tastes this berry will gain the wisdom of the ancient trees.”
Remy’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I must find this magical berry, Oliver! But where should I begin?”
With a twinkle in his eye, Oliver pointed Remy toward a winding trail leading into the forest’s heart. “Follow this path, my young friend, and let your heart guide you.”
With a backpack filled with snacks and a spirit full of determination, Remy set off on his quest to find the Nootka Rose berry. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he encountered various animals who shared their wisdom about the Nootka Rose and its special properties. The wise old squirrel told Remy that these berries bloomed near ancient trees, and the mischievous chipmunk warned him about the thorns surrounding the bushes.
Remy overcame obstacles, like avoiding thorns and outsmarting a clever raccoon who guarded a particularly bountiful bush. With each challenge, Remy grew wiser and more determined to find the magical Nootka Rose berry.
After many adventures, Remy finally stumbled upon a small grove of Nootka Rose bushes. The berries glistened like rubies in the dappled sunlight. He carefully picked one and took a bite. Suddenly, he felt a rush of wisdom and an overwhelming connection with the forest around him. He understood the whispers of the wind and the songs of the birds.
Remy returned to his friend Oliver with his newfound wisdom, sharing the secret of the magical Nootka Rose berries. From that day on, the forest creatures came to Remy for advice, and he became known as the wisest raccoon in the land, thanks to the Nootka Rose berries’ magical properties.
And so, the legend of the Nootka Rose berry continued to be shared among the animals of the Pacific Northwest, reminding them of the wisdom and beauty hidden within the heart of their enchanted forest.
History
Oemleria cerasiformis, the Nootka is named after the Nuu-Chah-Nulth tribe of the west cost of what's colonially known as Vancouver Island in Nootka Sound.
This plant was first described by Western explorers who saw the Nootka Rose growing in this area.
The Nootka Rose falls under the categorization of ‘old roses’ which are classified as prehistoric roses, discovered around 1867.
Image source — <https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/3359–rosa-nutkana>
Significance:
- Deer, elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, bears, coyotes, and various rodents eat the fruit of the Nootka Rose
- The twigs and leaves are eaten by squirrels, mice, beavers, and porcupines
- Many birds and small animals use the Nootka Rose thickets for nesting and cover
- The Nootka Rose stabilises banks along streams
- It is used to control soil erosion on hillsides, roadsides, and streambanks
- The Nootka rose is an attractive plant for pollinating insects, birds, and butterflies
Image source — <https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/rosa-nutkana>
How To Plant Your Own?
- Nootka rose grows from 2-9 feet
- It is found in a variety of environments such as: shorelines, floodplains, streambanks, meadows, open forests, and forest edges
- Plant the seeds in the fall, the seeds may take two years to germinate
-It is best grown in full sun or part shade
- The soil should be well drained and be moist-dry
- However, they tolerate sand, clay, no drainage, or seasonal drainage for soil conditions
- It’s a low maintenance plant if it’s planted where it can spread freely
- If planted in a small garden it will require regular pruning to keep from spreading
- It is best to prune the Nootka rose in the winter when it won’t spread due to the cold
- The flowers turn into beautiful (and edible) orange and red hips in the fall
Image source — <https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/rosa-nutkana>