Rosa canina

Divlja ruza cvijet 270508

Rosa canina 244689792

Aestivation

Illustration Rosa canina1

Phramidium mucrinatum on Dog Rose Rosa canina (27483546429)

Robin's pincushion on dog rose - geograph.org.uk - 1012403

Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a species of rose native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height, featuring arching stems covered with sharp thorns. The leaves are pinnate, with 5 to 7 leaflets that are ovate-shaped and have serrated margins. The flowers of Rosa canina are usually pale pink to white and are 4–6 cm in diameter with five petals. These flowers bloom in late spring to midsummer and are followed by red to orange-red fruit, known as rose hips, which are high in Vitamin C and are used in various food supplements and herbal teas.

Description

Rosa canina plants are well-adapted to a range of environmental conditions, which allows them to thrive in various habitats, from forests and grasslands to rocky areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. The dog rose's ability to form dense thickets makes it an important shelter plant for wildlife. Its flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the rose hips are a crucial food source for birds and small mammals during the autumn and winter months.

Cultivation and Uses

The cultivation of Rosa canina is widespread due to its ornamental beauty, wildlife benefits, and the medicinal properties of its fruit. The plant is propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering. In gardening and landscape design, it is often used for hedges, wildlife gardens, and as a rootstock for grafting more delicate rose varieties.

The rose hips of Rosa canina are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. They are harvested in the autumn, after the first frost, which makes them softer and sweeter. The hips are used to make jam, jelly, syrup, and herbal teas. They have also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and arthritis.

Ecological Impact

While Rosa canina is valued for its ecological contributions and uses, it can become invasive in some regions, outcompeting native flora and altering habitats. Management practices may be necessary to control its spread in areas where it poses an ecological threat.

Conservation

In its native range, Rosa canina is not considered endangered, and efforts are generally focused on maintaining its habitat to support biodiversity. Conservationists value the dog rose for its role in supporting a wide range of wildlife, from pollinators to birds and mammals.

Gallery

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See Also

• Rose hips
• Vitamin C
• Invasive species
• Wildlife garden