Dog Rose

Description

The dog rose is a deciduous shrub normally ranging in height from 1–5 metres (3.3–16.4 ft), though sometimes it can scramble higher into the crowns of taller trees. Its stems are covered with small, sharp, hooked prickles, which aid it in climbing. Leaves have a delicious fragrance, when bruised and sweet scented flowers which are usually pale pink, but can vary between a deep pink and white. The flesh (shells) of rose hips from dog roses contain high levels of antioxidants, mainly polyphenols and vitamin C, as well as carotenoids and vitamins B and E, along with natural sugars, organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, and essential oil, making them excellent for consumption.

In Poland, the petals are used to make jam, particularly suitable for filling doughnuts. In Bulgaria, where it grows in abundance, the hips are used to make a sweet wine as well as tea.The hips are used as a flavouring in Cockta, a soft drink made in Slovenia.

This wild rose produces beautiful light pink flowers (sometimes white flowers) and can be found across the UK along hedges and woodland edges. Growing in most soil types the dog rose is a native species here in the UK.