Prairie rose rosa arkansana
IN WILDERNESS IS THE PRESERVATION OF THE WORLD” - HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Prairie Rose (rosa arkansana)
The Prairie Rose is a long lived thorny shrub that is 10 to 100 cm in height. It is an exceptionally drought resistant plant with roots as deep as 12 feet. It has a long flowering period from may until August. It grows in prairie grassland habitats,open woodlands, roadsides and rocky slopes. Seeds are dispersed by birds and animals.
It is an important food especially in winter for grouse, bobwhite quail, deer, rabbits, skunks and coyotes and other birds and mammals. It provides pollen for many pollinators and beneficial insects.
First Nation people are reported to use the wood for arrows and make an ointment for eyes from it
Plants for a Future(PFAF) data base state that once the seed hairs are removed, the fruit is edible raw or cooked and is rich in vitamin C. Young shoots that are peeled can be eaten. As well flowers, fruits ,roots and stems can be used to make a tea. . This plant is also a good source of Vitamin A, C and E as well as fairly good source essential fatty acids.
Allowing this pretty flowering plant in your gardens, ditches, roadsides and fields, not only provides visual beauty but supports the reproductive success of a vast array of insects and animals. We all can play a role in protecting wildlife by providing them with the plants that form the base of the food chain.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rosa+arkansana
Prairie Rose (rosa arkansana)
The Prairie Rose is a long lived thorny shrub that is 10 to 100 cm in height. It is an exceptionally drought resistant plant with roots as deep as 12 feet. It has a long flowering period from may until August. It grows in prairie grassland habitats,open woodlands, roadsides and rocky slopes. Seeds are dispersed by birds and animals.
It is an important food especially in winter for grouse, bobwhite quail, deer, rabbits, skunks and coyotes and other birds and mammals. It provides pollen for many pollinators and beneficial insects.
First Nation people are reported to use the wood for arrows and make an ointment for eyes from it
Plants for a Future(PFAF) data base state that once the seed hairs are removed, the fruit is edible raw or cooked and is rich in vitamin C. Young shoots that are peeled can be eaten. As well flowers, fruits ,roots and stems can be used to make a tea. . This plant is also a good source of Vitamin A, C and E as well as fairly good source essential fatty acids.
Allowing this pretty flowering plant in your gardens, ditches, roadsides and fields, not only provides visual beauty but supports the reproductive success of a vast array of insects and animals. We all can play a role in protecting wildlife by providing them with the plants that form the base of the food chain.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rosa+arkansana
