Rosehip Flower & Hip
Rosa canina (Rosaceae)
Habitat and Appearance:
Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, it is a very common sight in British hedgerows. It is a climbing, trailing, perennial shrub gaining a height of 1-3m. The whole plant is covered in prickles, but in mid to late summer it is also covered in large white or pale pink, sweet-smelling flowers. These are then followed by 15mm-long fleshy, scarlet fruits (hips) in autumn. Its leaves are alternate, ovate and serrate and slightly acute, and look like all others of the rose family.
Garden Suitability:
Easily grown from seed, this is a rampant plant, especially if given rich, loamy soil. It makes a wonderfully thick hedge, though prickly! It is frequently cultivated for its use as a root stock for grafting other rose varieties.
