Since I have interest in growing some of the American species, I was hoping to look for hips from plants in the wild. The problem is: where can I find wild roses? Does anyone have experience hunting for wild hips (legally, of course)?
Much depends on where you live, and which species you desire. Here I can walk out just about anywhere hiking on forest land and find roses growing, depending on elevation. You would need to check regulations, but National Forest Land permits harvesting of things, like huckleberries, mushrooms, etc. I would think rose hips would fall into those categories, and probably isn’t even addressed, if the demand isn’t enough to make it an issue.
Are there any kinds of public lands near you? What about farmland? When I lived in the midwest there were “prairie” roses growing in the fields that dotted the hillsides. Perhaps if you share your desire a landowner would grant you permission.
Duane
I primarily am searching for the roses native to the eastern US (arkansana, carolina, virg., etc.). The idea of harvesting these hips from national forest land seems interesting, as the Appalachian trail is near my town. I’ll inquire into the legality of harvesting rose hips!
While I was in TN, I found loads of Rosa multiflora, a few more interesting than the rest, but these are introduced. Likewise the Hybrid Wichuraianas that are common. I didn’t see any hips, though. Then there is the native R. setigera, found mostly growing in ditches, and occasionally into trees. I once found what I think was R. palustris, but just the once.
I think I saw some R. foliolosa growing in a park in Oklahoma City.
I found R. arkansana growing in various places in NE Kansas. The clear pink form is most common, but not TOO common. They are more likely found along gravel roads than pavement. I found both a white and some reds in rural Mayetta, KS about a mile east of the interstate.
Happy hunting.