Shnipiishniik, Cipau’iniik (rose); Qelempaq (rose hip)
Rosa nutkana C. Presl
Plant
Nootka rose is a medium-sized, prickly shrub with large, bright-pink flowers. The roundish, red, berry-like fruit, known as a hip, is very seedy and less juicy than many wild fruits. The plant occurs in Kodiak’s meadows, clearings, and open woods.
Gathering: People prefer to pick rose hips in October and November, when they are sweetened and softened by frost.
Food: People eat fresh rose petals. They use the petals fresh and dried for tea and add petal to black tea for flavor. People eat raw rose hips and use the fruit in jellies, syrups, and desserts.
Medicine: A tea made from dried rose hips is cleansing and can be used to treat colds and bronchitis. Rose petal tea is good for coughs and colds. Sitting on rose hips soaked in hot water helps a woman who has just given birth pass her placenta.
