Wild Rose

Wild rose (Rosa spp.) in our area is sometimes the multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and sometimes other species or crosses. The wild rose is much maligned, but the flowers can be used as food and medicine! Aromatic when picked at the right time, they can be carefully dried for tea or packed in honey or salt to capture the scent, then used in culinary pursuits. The fruits, called rose hips, are Vitamin C-rich and are a sour trail nibble in the fall. The rose is said to be medicine for the heart. In Chinese medicine, mei gui hua, the Rosa rugosa or wrinkled rose, is used to benefit circulation and break stagnation.