Rosa woodsii var. glabrata
Woods' rose
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata (Woods' rose) is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by (all Rosa woodsii taxa). Key features: desert spring habitat, glabrous leaf axis.
Woods' rose is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in the southern Mojave Desert, specifically near Box Springs and Cushenbury Springs in desert spring habitats at elevations of 1,100 to 1,300 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate pink to light rose-colored flowers in small clusters. Growing as a compact shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with arching branches, it forms dense thickets in its desert spring environment. Its compound leaves have smooth leaf axes and typically include multiple leaflets with a glossy green appearance. The shrub produces small, bright red rose hips that provide food and habitat for local wildlife.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species (all Rosa woodsii taxa). Key features: desert spring habitat, glabrous leaf axis.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert springs
Elevation: 1100-1300 m
Bloom period
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Camellia: Rosa has compound leaves with multiple leaflets; Camellia has single undivided glossy leaves.; vs Carpenteria: Rosa has thorny stems and compound leaves; Carpenteria is thornless with simple opposite leaves.; vs Hibiscus: Rosa has compound leaves and thorny stems; Hibiscus has simple palmate leaves, thornless.; vs Dahlia: Rosa is woody with thorns; Dahlia is herbaceous without thorns.; vs Cistus: Rosa has compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets; Cistus has simple undivided leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosa woodsii var. glabrata native to California?
Yes. Rosa woodsii var. glabrata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rosa woodsii var. glabrata bloom?
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Rosa woodsii var. glabrata belong to?
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata is in the Rosaceae family, genus Rosa.
Is Rosa woodsii var. glabrata rare or endangered?
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Rosa woodsii var. glabrata grow in?
Rosa woodsii var. glabrata grows in Desert springs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.