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 spines, 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.

Astringent, carminative, diuretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic (petals, hips and galls); vermifuge (seeds)

Plants for a Future

Acetic acid, lecithin, linoleic acid (seed); alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, betulin, capric acid, catechin, citric acid, epicatechin, fructose, isoquercitrin, lycopene, malic acid, niacin, riboflavin, succunic acid, tannin, thiamin, vanillin, xanthophyll, zeaxanthin (fruit); histone (leaf).

In the treatment of colds, influenza, minor infectious diseases, scurvy, diarrhoea and gastritis (hips)

Stary, Medicinal Herbs and Plants.