Dog Rose
Irish - Feirdhris
Ulster-Scots - Buckie-breer or raise
Family - Rosaceae
Characteristics
- Dog rose is a rambling rose producing stems of 3m (9ft) or more.
- Dog rose makes an excellent hedge plant. Sturdy hooked prickes enable it to hold onto supporting shrubs.
- It should only be planted in a hawthorn hedge after the hawthorn has become established enough to cope with the rose's climbing habit.
Season
- Leaves open in April and flowers appear in June and July. The hips form in late summer but are not fully ripe until October or November.
Preferred Environment
- Dog rose is found in hedgerows, in scrub, and along the margins of woodland. If growing in shade within the woodland, it often fails to flower or bear fruit.
- It will grow on a wide range of soils, but dislikes wet soils or exposed sites.
Wildlife Associations
- There are about 100 insect species that are associated with dog rose.
- Birds and small mammals are attracted by the fruits, known as hips.
Uses
- Rose hip cordial, syrup and wine can all be made from dog rose hips.
- Nurserymen cultivate dog rose for its strong rootstock.