Wild Rose

Rosa canina (commonly known as the dog rose) is a variable scrambling rose species native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.
It is a deciduous shrub normally ranging in height from 1–5 m, though sometimes it can scramble higher into the crowns of taller trees. Its stems are covered with small, sharp, hooked prickles, which aid it in climbing. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are usually pale pink, but can vary between a deep pink and white. They are 4–6 cm diameter with five petals, and mature into an oval 1.5–2 cm red-orange fruit, or hip.
The botanic name is derived from the common names 'dog rose' or similar in several European languages.
It is sometimes considered that the word 'dog' has a disparaging meaning in this context, indicating 'worthless' (by comparison with cultivated garden roses) (Vedel & Lange 1960). However it also known that it was used in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to treat the bite of rabid dogs, hence the name "dog rose" may result from this.
Other old folk names include rose briar (also spelt brier), briar rose, dogberry, sweet briar, wild briar, witches' briar, and briar hip.

The breathtaking show usually begins in June, but is delayed further north. Young buds appear almost red before they open to reveal vibrant pink petals with a yellow pollen-bearing stamen at their center. Pink gradually fades to white before the petals fall and the flower turns to fruit for autumn.

These “rose hips” are treasured by white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare that nimbly chew their way around the prickly barbs to eat the fruit that is rich in vitamin A, crude protein and the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C. Not only is the wild rose beautiful, it is also nutritious and healing as revealed by many First Nation’s traditions from coast to coast to coast.