Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Dog rose (Rosa canina) is a hardy deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family. Also known as bird briar, it has a mid-green foliage and pale pink, or sometimes white, scented flowers. Containing a mass of prickly stems, it produces vivid red rosehips during the autumn and winter months.

Dog rose is native to Britain, Europe, North Africa and South West Asia. The name 'dog rose' is a direct translation of the Latin name 'Rosa canina'. It was first described as a medicinal plant by Pliny the Elder (23-79BC) who noticed French tribes using it for the treatment of dog bites.

Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Growing methods

Shrubs can be propagated from seed, cuttings, layering or by dividing suckers. To grow from seed, sow fresh seeds immediately after they have fully developed, but not dried, and they should germinate during the winter or the following spring. However, they may take a lot longer. Dried seed should be sown in early spring and will need to subjected to cold and then warmth before they will germinate. Even then they may take up to two years. Stratification of the seed aids germination. When seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be potted on into individual pots and planted out during summer months.

To propagate using cuttings, take hardwood cuttings in the autumn and plant out the rooted cuttings in late spring. The shrub can also be propagated by dividing the suckers during late autumn or winter and planting them out in their permanent positions.

Dog rose enjoys full sun or partial shade with moderately fertile soil but will tolerate poor conditions. Make sure the soil is moist but well drained. A mulch in the winter or early spring is beneficial. Shrubs can tolerate strong winds but not harsh coastal areas. Dog rose is great for wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. However, it can be planted in more formal flower borders and cottage gardens.

It can suffer from rust and powdery mildew, and attack by aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, leaf cutting bees and red spider mite. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Other uses

The roots, leaves, branches and fruit of the dog rose have a number of herbal medicinal uses. The rosehips have been used as herbal medicine for more than 2000 years. They contain vitamins A, C and E, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and carotenoids. During the Second World War, rose hips were a key sources of vitamin C in Britain.

Rosehips (Rosa canina)

This shrub is great for wildlife, attracting butterflies, bees, birds and moths. The prickly stems also provide protection for birds and small animals. In domestic situations, the shrub can be pruned into a hedge and will keep animals out or in.

Raw edible parts

The petals, red fruit (rosehips) and the tiny seed are all edible raw. An oil can be made from the seed and is often used in skin care products. The rosehips can be made into a fruit tea. The leaves can be fermented, dried and made into a black tea.

The shiny red rosehips are available during the autumn and winter. Allow the frosts to softened the hard red skin and scoop out the seed and tiny hairs before eating. While the hairs on the seed are an irritant and should not be imbibed, the seed itself is edible raw and is a source of vitamin E. It can be dried and ground to a powder and used as a supplement.

To remove the hairs from the seed, cut the red hips in half and dry them. Then grind them roughly in a food processor or by hand using a knife. Place everything in a sieve and shake well over some paper. The hairs will fall through on to the paper and can be discarded.

Traditionally, rosehips have been cooked to make a syrup, jam, jelly or soup. The petals have been used to make a scented jam.

All Rosa species have edible fruit and most, if not all, species have edible flowers.

Issues: The tiny hairs on the seed are an irritant to the mouth and digestive tract. They should be removed.