Dog-rose

Rosa canina

Up to 5 m long. A scambling deciduous shrub with erect or arched stems that are covered in hooked thorns. Leaves are pinnate and divided into five to seven leaflets. Flowers are 30-50 mm across and comprise of five pink or whitish petals. Flowers often solitary but sometimes produced in small groups. Fruit is a bright red, 10-20 mm long, ovoid rosehip.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Found in hedgerows, woodland margins and scrub habitat.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

June-July

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread throughout Europe except the far north.

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