Dog Rose Hip / Šipak Pasje Ruže

Description:

t 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, as shows the photo.

Habitat:

Northern and Central Europe

Notes:

The plant is high in certain antioxidants. The fruit is noted for its high vitamin C level and is used to make syrup, tea and marmalade. It has been grown or encouraged in the wild for the production of vitamin C, from its fruit (often as rose-hip syrup), especially during conditions of scarcity or during wartime.