Dog Rose

Rosa canina

Physical Characteristics

Rosa canina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and southwest Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 4, 13]. It can be used in making delicious jams, syrups etc[7]. The syrup is used as a nutritional supplement, especially for babies[238]. The fruit can also be dried and used as a tea[9, 12, 183]. Frost softens and sweetens the flesh[12]. The fruit is up to 30mm 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. The seed is a good source of vitamin E[102], it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[102]. The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute[46, 61, 183]. A coffee substitute according to another report[7]. Petals - raw or cooked[177]. The base of the petal may be bitter so is best removed[183]. Eaten as a vegetable in China[66]. The petals are also used to make an unusual scented jam[7].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Bach Cancer Carminative Diuretic Laxative Ophthalmic Tonic Vermifuge Vitamin C The petals, hips and galls are astringent, carminative, diuretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic[7, 9, 14, 21, 165]. The hips are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, diarrhoea and gastritis[238]. A syrup made from the hips is used as a pleasant flavouring in medicines and is added to cough mixtures[238]. A distilled water made from the plant is slightly astringent and is used as a lotion for delicate skins[7]. The seeds have been used as a vermifuge[7]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Resignation' and 'Apathy'[209]. 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]. Ascorbic acid in Dog Rose shells (vitamin C, 0.2 to 2.4%).

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.