Prickly Rose

Rosa acicularis

Physical Characteristics

Rosa acicularis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern N. America to N. Europe and Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 101, 105, 161, 183, 257]. It can also be used in syrups and purees or be dried and used in teas and soups[183]. The fruit contains about 2 - 3% (dry weight) vitamin C[74], and up to as much as 7% in some varieties[142]. The ripe fruit has a rich sweet flavour[K], the taste is best after the fruit has been frosted[172]. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter[200], but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds[K]. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards. A tea is made from the leaves, it is rich in vitamin C[21, 101, 257]. Young shoots - peeled and eaten in spring[101, 172, 257]. Petals - raw. Remove the bitter white base[172]. The seed is a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with powder or added to other foods as a supplement[102, 183]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Blood tonic Cancer Febrifuge Ophthalmic Stings Vitamin C The plant is rich in tannins and is used as an astringent[218]. A decoction of the root is used as a cough remedy[257]. An infusion of the roots is used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. An infusion of the leaves and bark has been used as eye drops in the treatment of snow blindness[257]. A decoction of the stems and branches has been used as a blood tonic and as a treatment for stomach complaints, colds and fevers[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used to alleviate the pain of bee stings[257]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

Known Hazards

There is a layer of hairs around the seeds just beneath the flesh of the fruit. These hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested.