Rosa pisocarpa

Common Names

Cluster Rose, Clustered Wild Rose, Swamp Rose, Pea-Fruited Rose, Pea Rose

Summary

Rosa pisocarpa is a native Pacific Northwest shrub forming thickets, with dark stems bearing few straight prickles and leaves that are alternate, pinnately compound with 5–9 leaflets. The inflorescence carries pink flowers in clusters of 2–10, blooms that are fragrant and small, followed by red to purple hips that persist into winter; the plant typically grows about 3–6 ft tall and about 3 ft wide, and is common from southern British Columbia to northern California in moist habitats such as wetlands, riparian zones, and moist forests.

Prefers sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils; thrives in moist, riparian habitats and tolerates wet conditions; hardy to USDA zones 7–9. Forms thickets and provides wildlife value, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds. For garden use, prune after frost to maintain shape, and avoid pruning after flowering if hips are desired; propagation can be by softwood or hardwood cuttings or seed.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Any soil pH (acidic, neutral, or alkaline)

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow and Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

High

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies and birds