Rosaceae

Rosa canina

Common Names: Dog rose

Plant Form: Scrambling shrub. Size: Up to 5 m tall. Stem: Smooth, hairless, covered in stout curved prickles up to 1 cm long. Leaves: Oval shaped 2-4 cm long with serrated, toothed edges, rounded bases and pointed tips. Flowers: White to pink typical rose flowers, with 5 egg shaped petals (thinner end connected to centre). 5 supporting leaves (sepals) bend backward after flowering. Fruit and Seeds: Dark red oval or globular capsule 1-2 cm long, hairless. Containing numerous yellowish irregular seeds. Habitat: Bushland, open woodlands, roadsides, waste areas, pastures. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from lookalike Sweet Briar (Rosa rubignosa) by hairless flower stalks and fruit.

Fruit, stems have few thorns (RCH Shepherd)