Rosa canina - dog rose (Forest alveolus)

Genus of approximately 150 species of perennial, semi-evergreen or deciduous shrubs and climbers. They are found in a wide variety of habitats in Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America. The Rosa Canina is the most common spontaneous rose in Italy. It is a thorny shrub, it has glabrous woody stems, with robust, arched, red thorns with an elongated, compressed base. The leaves are composed of 5-7 oval or elliptical leaflets with toothed margins. The pink flowers have large petals and are lightly scented. It flowers in the months of May and June. Its fruits are ovoid, fleshy berries colored from yellow to intense red. It grows in the countryside and on the hills. It is easily found in hedges, clearings, scrublands and along paths.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to any type of soil, even poor, preferring fresh ones. It likes exposure in full sun. Fairly rustic species, it tolerates minimum temperatures reaching -10°/-15°C. Appreciated for its effectiveness in strengthening the body's defenses against infections and particularly against the common cold.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Rosehip

Family: Rosaceae