Plant of the Month: Alberta Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis)
The prickly rose or Alberta wild rose (Rosa acicularis) is the provincial flower of Alberta, Canada, where it is native. It is widespread and common across North America. It is associated with everlasting love in Greek mythology. Later, in Mediaeval times, it became associated with power.
Prickly rose is a bushy shrub that grows 0.5 to 1.5 meters tall and has spines, prickles, or thorns on its stems and leaves. It has compound leaves that have teeth on the edge and drop off in winter. The flowers are single, pink, and 5 to 7 centimeters across, with five petals that are pink to rose in colour. The flowers are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. The fruits are fleshy, pear-like that are dark red or purple and contain many seeds.
Prickly rose is a valuable plant for humans as the rose hips and seeds are rich in vitamin C and E, respectively, and have many medicinal uses. They can prevent colds, treat cough or sting, relieve menstrual pain and regulate menstruation, and be used as eye drops. The rose hips can also be eaten fresh, once the seeds are removed, or made into a jelly, beverage, or syrup. So too can the petals.
Prickly rose is an important food source for wildlife, especially in the fall when the rose hips are ripe. Bears, coyotes, snowshoe hare, beavers, rodents and other small mammals, and grouse are some of the animals that feed on the plant. Birds use the thickets as nesting grounds and protective cover, and small mammals also use them as refuge. However, the prickly rose can become less appetising and more spiky over time as a natural kind of self-defence. This defence mechanism leads to more growth and shoot production with prolonged deer browsing. In Alaska and Alberta, using this plant for revegetation is advised because it can boost biodiversity, minimize erosion, and improve soil quality. The prickly rose can tolerate a wide range of soil moisture and texture conditions, as well as high acid, flood, and low nutrient levels. It is also fire resistant.
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