Dog Rose (Rosa canina).




It is a spiny shrub between 100 - 200 cm. high.
Its stems are covered with small, sharp, red arched hooked spines with a lengthened compressed base.
The leaves are pinnate with 5-7 oval or elliptical leaflets with serrated edges (simple teeth).
The pale pink flowers have large petals and are not very fragrant.
It blossoms in the months of May and June.
Its fleshy and colourful fruit reaches maturation in late autumn.
It is widely used for its vitamin C properties and bioflavonoids.
Its active ingredients - vitamin C, organic acid tannins, pectin, carotenoids and polyphenols, are used by the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries: flowers and leaves are used in pharmacopoeia, for instance, in the preparation of infusions and herbal teas.
Its seeds are used for the preparation of pesticides and its petals used in the making of rose honey.
The fruits are used to make excellent marmalades.