Rosa canina, Dog Rose

Rosa canina is a fast growing deciduous shrub. It succeeds in most type of soils and prefers sunny exposure with its roots in shade. If it grows under a deep shade it fails to flower and fruit. This Rosa canina shrub is located on the former golf playground in Longford Park, Manchester. It has already started losing its leaves but the fruits it bears are still nor ripen. They attract many bird species and also insects are using the plant as host. The flowers have pleasant fragrant smell and also the leaves when bruised. Rosa canina is very robust lant with very strong root system. This plant is partially shaded by sycamore tree and is being sheltered by hedge from its north-west side. It looks to be self-seeded and responds very well to the wet soil conditions underneath. It could be said that it has an ornamental function but it most definitely enriches the site biodiversity ensuring shelter and food for numerous insects and birds. All of the plant’s parts can be used in for medicinal preparation and also the fruits can be used for the preparation of drinks and jams.