Dog Rose (Rosa canina): Wild Species Hip Producer

The Dog Rose (Rosa canina), also known as Briar Rose, Dog Briar, Hondsroos, or Redouté Rose, is a widespread European species rose valued for its high-vitamin C hips, single pink-white flowers, and vigorous, scrambling habit. A cornerstone of hedgerows and wildlife habitats.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Species: canina (kay-NEE-nuh)
Synonyms: Rosa leucantha, Rosa pseudoscabrata, Rosa sphaerica, Rosa surculosa, Rosa marschalliana

This species has been used for centuries for medicinal hips and as rootstock.

Growth Habit and Blooms

Vigorous, scrambling shrub 6–10 feet. Arching, thorny canes. Flowers 1.5–2 inches, single, pale pink to white, solitary or in small clusters. Once-blooming in early summer. Hips are oval, bright red, persistent, very high in vitamin C.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Adaptable, even heavy clay.
• Watering: Drought tolerant.
• Pruning: Minimal; winter prune to shape.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9.

Landscape Uses

Hedgerows, wildlife gardens, naturalistic plantings, erosion control. Hips for tea, jelly, syrup.