English Dog Rose is a climbing, wild rose species native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. Its stems are covered in small, sharp, hooked prickles, aiding its climbing ability, and it produces pale pink flowers which mature into a red-orange fruit, or hip. The fruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, and other bio-active compounds. It is being investigated as a food capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and reversing its growth. Its syrup is used as a nutritional supplement, especially for infants. The leaves of the Glaucous Dog Rose species are used as a tea substitute.
The plant is also used for stabilizing soil in land reclamation and landscaping schemes and for grafting or budding of cultivated roses. The dog rose is the stylized rose of medieval European heraldry and the national flower of Romania. It has a unique meiosis process but is commonly pentaploid, i.e., five times the base number of seven chromosomes. Although it is an invasive species in New Zealand, it is recognised globally for its medicinal uses and ability to add flavour to sweet wines and soft drinks.
For zones 2-7.