Woods' Rose
Rosa woodsii

Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
AKA: Wild Rose, Mountain Rose
Photo taken on: July 7, 2004
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Plains to subalpine
Habitat: Along streams, open pine forests, roadsides

A shrub growing 2 to 6 feet high forming dense thickets with prickly stems. The flowers are about an inch across and usually grow in clusters and are fragrant. Color can range from pale pink to deep rose. The sepals below the flower are short and narrow.

The fruits of the Wild Rose are known as rose hips and are edible after several frosts. The hips of Woods' Rose are 1/3" to 1/2" across, those of the Nootka Rose are larger.

Photo taken on: September 2, 2005
Location: Almont, CO

Flora of North America reference.

Nootka Rose
Rosa nutkana

Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
AKA: Wild Rose, Bristly Rose
Photo taken on: July 11, 2010
Location: FS RD 586, Taylor Canyon, GV, CO
Life Zones: Montane to subalpine
Habitat: Dry slopes and roadsides

A shrub growing 2 to 10 feet high, often in thickets, with a pair of thorns at the base of the leaves. The flower is about 2" across and blooms singly.  The sepals below the flower are as long as the petals. It is fragrant and can range from pale to deep pink.

Flora of North America reference.