FolkKB

California rose

Rosa californica

Rosa californica, commonly known as California rose or California wild rose, is a native plant to North America. While it has historical significance and ecological importance, there are no traditional medicinal uses recorded for this species in any specific tradition. Scientific evidence regarding Rosa californica's potential medicinal benefits is limited. A recent study updated a database on Xylella spp. host plants, adding Rosa californica but providing no additional data to support its use in medicine. Another study isolated and classified a novel yeast strain from the plant as Lachancea rosae sp. nov., while characterizing rosehip oils using various analytical methods, revealing differences in their fatty acid profiles and identifying non-destructive optical markers for quality control. Safety concerns are currently minimal; no major issues have been recorded for Rosa californica. However, due to the lack of extensive research, caution is advised when considering its use. There are also no reported drug interactions with Rosa californica at this time.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • A novel yeast strain, yHQL494, was isolated from Rosa californica and classified as Lachancea rosae sp. nov. D PMID
  • Rosa californica was identified in historical bird nests, suggesting its presence in an area about 100 years ago. D PMID
  • The study updated a database on Xylella spp. host plants, adding one new species but no additional data for others. D PMID
  • The study characterized seven rosehip oils using various analytical methods, revealing differences in fatty acid profiles and suggesting non-destructive identification techniques. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is California rose?

California rose (Rosa californica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about California rose?

4 sourced findings are recorded for California rose; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A novel yeast strain, yHQL494, was isolated from Rosa californica and classified as Lachancea rosae sp. nov.

How strong is the evidence for California rose?

The strongest finding for California rose carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is California rose safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for California rose in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does California rose interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for California rose in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is California rose a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Bird nests as botanical time capsules: DNA barcoding identifies the contents of contemporary and historical nests. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Taxogenomic Analysis of a Novel Yeast Species, Lachancea rosae Sp. Nov. F.A., Isolated From the Wild Rose Rosa californica. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Characterization of Bulgarian Rosehip Oil by GC-MS, UV-VIS Spectroscopy, Colorimetry, FTIR Spectroscopy, and 3D Excitation-Emission Fluorescence Spectra. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Update of the Xylella spp. host plant database - Systematic literature search up to 30 June 2025. literature abstract metadata

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