Dog Rose (Wild Rose, Brier Rose)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Rosa, Species: Rosa canina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Pinnately compound deciduous leaves typically featuring 5 to 7 leaflets
Species
Rosa canina
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound deciduous leaves typically featuring 5 to 7 leaflets
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate leaflets with an acute apex and rounded to cuneate base
Size
Individual leaflets are approximately 1 to 2 inches long, making the entire compound leaf around 3 to 5 inches long, which is standard for the species
Margin
Sharply serrate or doubly serrate margins
Arrangement
Alternate leaf arrangement along the woody, prickle-bearing stem
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper adaxial surface, slightly paler green on the lower abaxial surface, with no prominent variegation or unusual markings
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and clearly defined lateral veins branching outwards
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly rough on the upper surface with a matte finish, lacking heavy hairiness
Description
Rosa canina is a scrambling deciduous shrub reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters, featuring arching stems armed with strong, hooked prickles. It produces delicate pink or white solitary flowers in early summer, followed by fleshy, oval, bright red pseudocarps known as rose hips
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves with 5-7 sharply serrated leaflets, alternating stems armed with strong hooked prickles, and smooth green foliage
Habitat
Thrives in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrublands, and waste places, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia; widely naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand
Condition Notes
The pressed specimen appears generally healthy with intact margins and typical coloration, rated in Good condition for a dried herbarium sample
Interesting Facts
The specific epithet 'canina' derives from the ancient belief that the root of the plant could cure rabies resulting from a dog bite; rose hips are exceptionally rich in Vitamin C
Medicinal & Uses
Rose hips are widely used to make teas, syrups, and jellies high in vitamin content; traditional herbal medicine utilizes the plant for immune support and anti-inflammatory properties
Ecological Role
Provides critical shelter and nesting sites for small birds and mammals; flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and rose hips serve as an important winter food source for wildlife
Similar Species
Field Rose (Rosa arvensis) can be similar, but features white flowers and styles united in a column rather than free, as well as slightly different leaflet proportions
Foraging Tips
Look for sprawling, thorny shrubs in hedgerows and forest edges during spring and summer; easily identifiable by its typical compound rose leaves and hooked thorns
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; the plant parts and particularly the false fruits (rose hips) are safe for human consumption, though care should be taken to avoid the irritating fine hairs inside the hips surrounding the seeds