Rosehip

Rosa canina L.

The rosehip is the fruit of the wild rose or dog rose (Rosa canina). It is a vitamin-rich wild fruit and has traditionally been valued as a home remedy. It is particularly well known as an ingredient in tea, jam, purée, syrup, and compote. In the fall, the bright red fruits immediately catch the eye. They contain all the vitamin-rich goodness of the wild rose and have been used since ancient times.

Profile

Botanical name: Rosa canina L.
German name: Rose hip, wild rose, dog rose
Plant family: Rose family (Rosaceae)
Other common names: Hedge rose, wild rose, dog rose, common wild rose
Occurrence: Europe to Asia
Location: prefers loamy soils
Flowering season: Summer
Harvest season: Fall, when the fruit is fully ripe
Part of the plant used: Fruits, seeds, and peel
Official: Rose fruit (seeds), Rosae pseudo-fructus (Bowl)

The dog rose belongs to the rose family. It is one of the most common wild rose species and is widely distributed from Europe to Asia. The dog rose prefers loamy soils and blooms in the summer.

Rose hips are the fruits of the wild rose and ripen in the fall. Botanically speaking, they are what are known as false fruits. This means that the fruit is formed not only from the carpels but also from parts of the flower. The bright red rose hips are easily visible in the fall and are harvested when they are fully ripe.