Wild Rose, also known as Dog Rose or Prairie Rose
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Rosa, Species: Rosa canina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Compound pinnate, deciduous
Species
Rosa canina
Leaf Type
Compound pinnate, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate leaflets
Size
Each leaflet is approximately 1 to 2 inches long, typical for the species
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate on the stem
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green underneath, typical summer coloration with no notable discoloration
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent midribs and branching lateral veins on each leaflet
Texture & Surface
Matte finish, slightly textured, glabrous to sparsely pubescent beneath
Description
A deciduous shrub featuring arching stems armed with hooked prickles, bearing pinnately compound leaves usually made up of 5 to 7 leaflets. It produces showy, fragrant pink or white flowers in early summer followed by bright red, oval seed-bearing fruits known as rosehips
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves with serrated margins, alternate arrangement, and the presence of hooked prickles on the woody stem
Habitat
Found in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrublands, and along roadsides in well-drained soils and sunny to semi-shaded locations
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia; widely naturalized in North America and other temperate regions
Condition Notes
Good condition, healthy mature summer leaves pressed flat in a herbarium style with no visible disease, pest damage, or chlorosis
Interesting Facts
The pseudo-fruit or hip of Rosa canina is exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and is commonly used to make syrups, teas, and jams. The species name 'canina' is derived from the ancient belief that the root could cure rabies caused by mad dog bites
Medicinal & Uses
Rosehips are used historically and modernly for herbal teas, jams, and immune-boosting supplements due to high vitamin content. The plant is also widely used as a rootstock for cultivating ornamental garden roses
Ecological Role
Provides critical shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, while flowers offer nectar for pollinators and hips serve as a vital winter food source for wildlife
Similar Species
Other wild rose species such as Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar) which can be distinguished by glandular, scented foliage, and various cultivated shrub roses
Foraging Tips
Look for scrambling thorny shrubs along forest edges and country lanes, best identified in summer by the 5-7 leaflet compound leaves and in autumn by bright red hips
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves, petals, and fleshy outer hip tissue are completely safe, though caution should be taken regarding the irritating hairs surrounding the seeds inside the hips