Dog rose
Rosa canina L.
Botanical family: Rosaceae
A thorny wild rose of hedges and edges, the ancestor of cultivated roses. Its red fruits (rose hips, 'itching berries') turn into jam, syrup, or an infusion. Pinkish-white flowers in spring.
Sun to partial shade
All types, even poor and chalky
Moderate
Very hardy
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A wild rose of hedges, very hardy and frugal. Excellent in a country hedge: a refuge for wildlife, nectar-bearing flowers in spring, nourishing rose hips for birds and humans.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Rosehips gathered in autumn, after the first frosts.
Available: October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Rosa canina » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rosa+canina)
- Woodland Trust, « Dog rose (Rosa canina) » (woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/dog-rose)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Remove the internal hairs of the rose hips (irritant) before consumption.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find dog rose in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Before you forage
This plant is often gathered from the wild. Only pick what is abundant, never a protected species, and never uproot a whole plant (roots) without the landowner's permission. Rules vary by country and region, check locally.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: all types, even poor and chalky.