dog rose

Rosa canina

Facts

Why not download our dog rose fact sheet?

dog rose fact sheet

Or have a go at making Rosehip Liqueur!

 hedgerow tipples pack

• A scrambling shrub
   
• Long arching stems armed with curved thorns
   
• Produces beautiful pink or white flowers in summer
   
• Has striking red "rose-hips" in autumn
   

Where found

In woodland, hedgerows and on scrubland

Found throughout the UK, although more common in the south. Prefers heavy soils
 

When to look for

• First flowers in May and June - view live map
   
• Ripe fruit in September - view live map

Fabulous dog rose facts

• 'Robin's pincushion', caused by the gall wasp Diplolepis rosae, is commonly found on Rosa canina
  
  
• The term ‘dog’ means ‘worthless’, presumably by comparison with cultivated roses
  
  
• The ancient Greeks believed that the roots of the dog rose could cure a person bitten by a mad dog - another possible explanation for the term 'dog' rose
  
  
• The long stems of the dog rose have hooked thorns which help them to climb and scramble over other shrubs
  
  
• The hips are high in vitamin C and were traditionally used to make a valuable syrup, especially in times of scarcity such as wartime
  
  
• The fine hairs found inside the hips used to be popular with children, who extracted them for use as 'itching powder'