Dog Rose

(Rosa canina)

Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a deciduous climbing shrub native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, scrub, hedges, and forest margins across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. It typically ranges in height from 1–5 meters (3.3–16.4 ft), and its stems are armed with small, sharp, hooked prickles, which assist it in climbing. The dog rose is known for its arching stems and oval to rounded leaves. From June to July, it produces sweet-scented flowers that are usually pale pink, but can range from a deep pink to white, and are followed by bright red rose hips in autumn.

The dog rose is valued for its ornamental flowers, wildlife support, and the rose hips, which are high in vitamin C and can be used to make syrups, jellies, and teas. It is commonly used in hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and as a rootstock for grafting cultivated roses. This rose is adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, but requires well-drained conditions and does not tolerate waterlogged or very dry soils. It thrives in full sun but will not flower or fruit well in deep shade. It is hardy to zone 3 in the UK (USDA hardiness zone 3-7). Dog rose can be susceptible to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, and may also suffer from pest infestations like aphids and sawflies.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Subshrub
  • Height: 3-15 feet
  • Width: 7-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Habitats including grasslands, scrub, hedges, and forest margins

Other Names

Common Names: Dog-Rose, Canker Rose, Common Briar, Dog Briar, Hunde-Rose, Hundsrose, Hunds-Rose, Koiranruusut, Rosier Des Chiens, Églantier Commun

Scientific Names: , Rosa canina, Rosa mexicana, Rosa novella, Rosa canina var. glandulosa, Rosa lutetiana, Rosa communis, Rosa cladoleia, Rosa sphaerica, Rosa ×urbica var. trichoneura

GBIF Accepted Name: Rosa canina L.