Uses
Roses are not only beautiful; they hold their form well when used for hedging, and also provide theft-deterring thorns when planted around windows. Rose hips (the bulb-shaped growth directly under the flower) make excellent tea and are edible when cooked, as are the flower petals. However, it's not advisable that you go around munching on these plants: they may have been treated with toxic pesticides and herbicides.
Locations
Roses can be found throughout town grown by private residents and on public grounds. Cut roses are widely available at grocery stores and florists. Rose research takes place at the environmental horticulture greenhouses on the UCD campus There is an outstanding rose garden at the corner of 8th Street and Miller Drive, on the street side of the red house.
Out of town
In Woodland the Woodland Library Rose Club maintains the extensive garden at the Woodland Library, 250 1st Street. In Sacramento, there are heirloom roses in the Old City Cemetery at 1000 Broadway, and there is a large collection of modern roses at McKinley Park, 3330 McKinley Blvd.
Native Species
California wild rose (Rosa californica) with California Wild Grape vines climbing up it. Photo by queerbychoice.The California Wild Rose (Rosa californica) is native to Davis. At about ten feet wide and nearly as tall, it's a bit large for most gardens, but you may spot it in the wild. It often grows near water, though it can also survive in dry areas. It goes deciduous as an adaptation to handle both winter cold and summer drought.
Events
UC Davis hosts Rose Day Conference April 25th, 2008.
Visit our Town Flora page for more information on plants found locally.
