Rosa canina

Buds & Petals

These brightly colored blooms come from the Dog Rose, a species of climbing rose native to Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. It is this species that is depicted in European art and coat of arms designs to indicate heraldry. The dog rose is also found at the center of plaster ceilings as a symbol that what is spoken in the room will be held in confidence. (Look up the next time you’re in a lawyer’s office or court room that resides in an old building.)

Dried rose buds and petals, which are a good source of vitamin C, are a colorful addition to tea blends and potpourri mixtures.