Rosa fraxinellaefolia
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. It is possible that this species is no more than a synonym for R. majalis. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils. Grows well with alliums, parsley, mignonette and lupins. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate. This is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seedcoat. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Plant out in the summer if the plants are more than 25cm tall, otherwise grow on in a cold frame for the winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July in a shaded frame. Overwinter the plants in the frame and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth. Select pencil thick shoots in early autumn that are about 20 - 25cm long and plant them in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions. Layering. Takes 12 months.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. There is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds[K]. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards. Young shoots in the spring are peeled and eaten raw. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement.
Medicinal uses
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Habitat
Not known
Native range
Western N. America - W. Oregon.