Rosa canina - Dog Rose

It was believed that any plant given the name 'dog' was christened so because it meant that it did not smell or was inferior to other plants. It was also believed that the root of this plant was effective against the bite of a mad dog. Dog Rose is a deciduous shrub 1-5 m tall, 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. Interestingly the species name canina also stems from the common name Dog Rose. Dog Rose is native to Pakistan, Kashmir, West Asia, Africa and Europe.