Rosa rugosa X Rosa nootkana cross

A visiting botanist submitted an observation that popped up as being from Marrowstone. Alex Wright suggested that a clump of roses on the causeway is a hybrid of two species of rose. I went to have a look and have submitted my own observation. Alex said these are rare, with only one other incidence he is aware of being on Bainbridge Island. It might be of some value for any more sightings of this rose cross to be recorded.

What to look for: First impression for me was this was R.rugosa. The flower however is a bit smaller than usual, and the hips are definitely smaller than what rugosa produces, but not as small as nootkana. The foliage appears to be that of rugosa.

If you would like to become familiar with what this looks like, you can see the ones Alex and I have observed. Follow the path from the isthmus parking area, down the stairs, and out to the beach. Turn right and where the beach meets the bluff, you'll find two sizable clumps of this rose.

Posted on August 9, 2018 12:24 AM by kurtsteinbach