BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Rosa gymnocarpa | Baldhip Rose 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Baldhip rose is a native, long-lived, deciduous shrub generally 3 feet
(1 m) or less in height; however, heights of 3 to 9 feet (1-3 m) have
been reported [11].  The stems are slender with straight prickles.  The
compound leaves have five to seven leaflets that are 0.5 to 1 inch
(1-2.5 cm) long and 0.25 to 0.5 inch (0.6-1.2 cm) wide [4,7,9].  Baldhip
rose is rhizomatous and has a shallow root structure [25,26,29,37].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Phanerophyte
   Chamaephyte
   Geophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Sexual reproduction:  Baldhip rose attains sexual maturity at 3 to 5
years [18].  The seeds are eaten and dispersed by birds and mammals
[13,14].  Information on seed viability and germination is lacking.

Vegetative reproduction:  Baldhip rose sprouts from the root crown and
rhizomes [17,25,26,29,36].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Baldhip rose occurs predominantly in the low-shrub layer of moist,
shaded forests of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.  It is
generally found at elevations of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) or less.  It is
well adapted to mesic-coniferous understories and grows best on eastern
and southern exposures [20,27,31].  It is found in both mountainous and
riparian areas [5].  Baldhip rose is adapted to a variety of moisture
conditions but fares better on slightly dry sites [22].  It is adapted
to a short growing season.

Baldhip rose is found on coarse-textured, well-drained soils such as
sandy loams, loamy sands, and cobbly loams [1,3,15,22].



SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Facultative Seral Species

Baldhip rose is shade tolerant; it persists from the initial plant
community to climax.  It flourishes initially with thinning and opening
of the canopy, but then slows in growth [12,19].  Baldhip rose grows in
full sunlight but has a higher overall survival rate in the shade [31].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Baldhip rose flowers in the late spring and early summer [4].  Hips
appear at the end of July and remain on the plant throughout the winter
[11,24].

Related categories for Species: Rosa gymnocarpa | Baldhip Rose