**3.2** *Rosa canina* **L.**

*Rosa canina*, also known as the dog rose or dog brier, is a large shrub capable of growing up to 2.7 meter (9 feet) in height [28]. *R. canina* has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times, where it was first described by Pliny the Elder (23–79 BC), who observed it being used as an antidote against dog bites among French tribes. Hence its name, *Rosa canina* [23]. R. canina is native to Asia and to Europe where it is the most common of the *Rosa* species [28, 29]. It also grows in the wild in North

**Figure 2.** *Ripe berries from Rosa canina L just after harvesting.*

#### **Figure 3.**

*Rosa canina L in snow. Most berries and fruits from other bushes and trees have fallen during this period and are rotting long before Christmas. In February you can still find intact rose hips. Something must preserve them.*

America [29], Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has been naturalized [28]. In addition to growing inland, the species can be found in mountain regions [22]. In contrast to *R. rugosa*, the fruits from *R. canina* are significantly smaller, deeper red in color, and oval-shaped. For more information about the biology of *R. canina*, see the review by Winther et al. (**Figure 2**) [23].

The flowers of *R. canina* start blooming from early summer until the end of the season. As such, rose hips from *R. canina* can be harvested from fall until early March, which is quite exceptional considering that most other fruits and berries are not available during the winter. Refer **Figure 3** for *R. canina* rose hips still on rose bushes in the winter. This could explain why the fruits are so appreciated in the colder northern regions of the earth.
