Plant Ponderings
May 15, 2010
Plant Ponderings ... Rosa canina
The sweet scent of briar roses and honeysuckles remind me of being a young girl again, goofing off in the woods as often as I could during recess in elementary school. I was always being reprimanded for straying too close to the woods during outdoor recess, never wanting to join in much on the organized games, a little woodland wanderer even back then! One of the things I most loved about this old house we purchased now over 14 years ago is that my little forest here is full of huge old honeysuckles and what we call briar roses, or "brambly hedges." The common name of this rose is the "Dog Rose" but that's hardly as endearing a name as Brambly Hedge! And here a bit of interesting herbal facts about the Dog Rose:
Botanical Name: Rosa canina Other Names: Wild Rose, Brier Rose, Dog Berry
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Soil Requirements: Tolerates most soil types moist or well drained
Light Conditions: Full sun
Size at Maturity: Up to 10'
Propagation: Root division
History: Dog rose, a common wild rose, was thought of as useless by the Greeks, thus the name 'dog' (in this case used as a derogatory term) was attached to it. However, after a little research one may discover that the dog rose is tremendously beneficial.
Properties: Aromatic, vitamin C in hips; a diuretic, gentle laxative and an astringent.
Uses: The petals - cake decorating, tea, rosewater, a mild rose honey, potpourri, natural incense, sachets, perfumes, and soaps.
The Leaves - tea
The fruit - jellies, syrups, tinctures
Description: A very hardy, thorny shrub with fragrant flowers ranging in color from white (as ours are) to pink to hot pink.
Harvesting Tips: Pick the petals when the plant buds or flowers to dry and use in potpourris. Pick the hips (seed pods) after the petals have fallen off (before they start to shrivel) and they have turned bright red in colour. Use them fresh or in jams or syrups, or dry them for use in teas.
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