Dog-rose
Rosa canina
Also listed as Crepinia canina, Rosa afzeliana
Also known as Common-briar, Dog Briar, Dogbrier
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy wild rose with pale pink to white flowers followed by bright red hips in autumn, valued for wildlife and ornamental appeal. Extremely tough and disease-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Dog-rose offers reliable wildlife value and ornamental interest across a wider range of conditions than many cultivated roses, particularly in poor soils or exposed sites where garden roses struggle. The bright hips provide autumn color and food for birds well into winter, while the foliage supports various beneficial insects. Compared to hybrid roses, it requires virtually no pruning, fertilization, or pest management once established, making it a practical choice for low-input systems or hedgerows.
Watch out for
This species spreads readily from seed via bird dispersal, so it may appear in nearby plantings or naturalize beyond intended boundaries. The thorny canes can make harvesting hips or managing growth physically demanding. In areas with very poor drainage or heavy clay, establishment may be slower despite the plant's general toughness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A hardy wild rose with pale pink to white flowers followed by bright red hips in autumn, valued for wildlife and ornamental appeal. Extremely tough and disease-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Dog-rose grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Dog-rose offers reliable wildlife value and ornamental interest across a wider range of conditions than many cultivated roses, particularly in poor soils or exposed sites where garden roses struggle. The bright hips provide autumn color and food for birds well into winter, while the foliage supports various beneficial insects. Compared to hybrid roses, it requires virtually no pruning, fertilization, or pest management once established, making it a practical choice for low-input systems or hedgerows.
Watch out for
This species spreads readily from seed via bird dispersal, so it may appear in nearby plantings or naturalize beyond intended boundaries. The thorny canes can make harvesting hips or managing growth physically demanding. In areas with very poor drainage or heavy clay, establishment may be slower despite the plant's general toughness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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