Small-leaved Rose [Rosa minutifolia Engelm. in Parry]
Listing CNPS List 2 R-E-D Code 3-3-1
State/Federal. Status -- CE/C2 ROSACEAE Jan.-Jun.
Global Rank G3 State Rank S1.1
Distribution: San Diego County; Baja California, Mexico
Habitat: The lone U.S. site is found at the crest of a canyon drainage on the periphery of north-facing Diegan Sage Scrub (Olivenhain cobbly loam soils). Wiggins mentions mesas, hillsides, and arroyos within a few kilometers of the coast as being the preferred habitat.
Known Sites: The only known U.S. occurrence is on northwestern Otay Mesa, north of Dillon Road, in an area very extensively utilized as an ORV playground. The thicket is fairly substantial.
This species is well distributed in Baja California with 26 specimens found at the San Diego Natural History Museum's herbarium; south to 30 4' North where collected by Moran (SD 77123) near La Turquesa.
Status: Small-leaved Rose is stable at its lone U.S. site, but endangered by off-road vehicle activities. Habitat nearby is virtually denuded of vegetation. All native U.S. populations should be fully protected with adequate buffers.
Copyright © May 1994 Craig H. Reiser.