Dog rose
Rosa corymbifera
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 747C — Rosa corymbifera
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IOverview
Overview
Dog rose (Rosa corymbifera) is a vine and subshrub native to much of Europe and western Asia, thriving in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Known for its edible fruit, the rose hips, which are rich in vitamin C, dog rose can grow up to 3 meters tall. This plant is found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and many other countries listed above. Its light requirement makes it adaptable to various habitats, though it prefers hardiness zones 5-9. The distinctive feature of the dog rose lies in its fruit, which can be used for jams, teas, and as a source of vitamin C, making it a valuable addition to both wild and cultivated landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Dog rose?
Dog rose (Rosa corymbifera) is a vine and subshrub native to much of Europe and western Asia, thriving in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Known for its edible fruit, the rose hips, which are rich in vitamin C, dog rose can grow up to 3 meters tall.
What is Dog rose used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Dog rose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Dog rose appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Dog rose support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dog rose thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 3 meters tall as a vine or subshrub. Propagate via cuttings or seeds. Water regularly but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged. Adjust soil pH to between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Vine, Subshrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Dog rose for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy Dog rose to gain experience in rose cultivation.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy Dog rose plant or cutting, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's slightly acidic (pH 6.5–7). Ensure the area gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in spring, digging a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist without being soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune in late winter to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly for better air circulation and to prevent disease. Harvest flowers when they are fully open.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder regions, and not providing enough support for climbing plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The dog rose's fruit, known as hips, are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used to make jams, syrups, and teas due to their high vitamin C content. The seeds can also be dried and ground into a powder for use in various culinary applications.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IraqKazakhstanPalestine
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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