Prickly Rose

Rosa acicularis
Rosaceae/Rose Family

Prickly Rose grows in open woods, clearings and meadows. A very prickly shrub up to 6' tall is had 5-parted compound leaves. The large showy pink flowers have 5 rounded petals. The fruits, referred to as rose hips are high in Vitamin C. Three rose hips have more Vitamin C than an orange. Many residents of the north use the rose hips for jellies, syrups and as a great source of vitamin C (once the only way for miners to fight scurvy during the long winter months). They should be eaten in moderation as too many can cause diarrhea. The small seeds inside should be discarded before eating as tiny hairs can irritate the digestive system and cause "itchy bum".